4 


A  COLLECTION 


OF  THE 


OF  THAT 


TRUE  PROPHET,  FAITHFUL  SERVANT  OF  GOD,  AND  SUFFERER  FOR 
THE  TESTIMONY  OF  JESUS, 

WILLIAM  BAYLY, 


WHO  FINISHED  HIS  TESTIMONY,  AND  LAID  DOWN  HIS  HEAD  IN  FEACE  WITH  THE 
LORD,  THE  FIRST  DAY  OF  THE  FOURTH  MONTH,  IN  THE  YEAR  1675. 


Being  dead,  yet  spcaketh.    Heb.  ii.  4. 

The  righteous  shall  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance.    Psalm  cxii.  C. 
And  they  that  be  wise  shall  shire  as  the  firmament;  and  they  that  turn  many  to 
righteousness,  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever.    Dan.  xii.  3. 


PRINTED  [N  THE  YEAR  W76  —RE  PRINTED  L» <0 


PHILADELPHIA 

MARCUS  T.  C.  GOULD,  No.  fi,  NORTH  EIGHTH  STIM'I .  7 

NEW  YORK: 

ISA  AC  T  HOTPER,  No.  420,  PEARL  STREET. 


J.  llAItniXR,  PniNTK.R, 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


On  presenting  to  Friends  and  the  public  a  new  edition  of  the  works 
of  William  Bayly,  as  one  of  a  contemplated  series  of  publications  of  the 
writings  of  the  early  members  of  the  society,  the  publishers  deem  it 
proper  to  state,  that  much  care  has  been  observed  to  have  a  faithful 
copy  of  the  original.  Hence,  with  the  exception  of  an  occasional  intro- 
duction of  a  word  or  two,  obviously  required  to  give  perspicuity  to  a 
sentence,  (and  these  have  been  mostly  included  in  brackets)  no  alterations 
have  been  made  except  for  the  correction  of  flagrant  grammatical  errors; 
and  where  there  was  any  possibility  of  such  variation  at  all  interfering 
with  the  sense  of  the  writer,  even  these  have  been  left  uncorrected.  It 
has  been  thought  expedient,  also,  to  preserve,  throughout,  the  author's 
style,  although  now  somewhat  antiquated.  Thus  the  relative  pronoun 
which,  used  instead  of  the  personal  who,  has  mostly  been  retained.  On 
the  whole,  the  publishers  feel  confident  that  the  style  of  execution,  as 
well  as  the  intrinsic  excellence  of  the  work,  cannot  fail  to  give  general 
satisfaction. 


CONTENTS. 


FAG  E. 

To  the  Reader,  by  John  Crook,       -  -  -  -  1 

A  short  testimony  occasioned  by  the  sudden  removal  of  the  ser- 
vant of  the  Lord,  William  Bayly,  -  -  -  -4 

Jewell  Guy's  testimony  concerning  William  Bayly,  -  5 

A  short  testimony  concerning  William  Bayly,       -  -  6 

A  short  relation  or  testimony  of  the  working  of  the  light  of  Christ 
in  me  from  my  childhood,  -  -  -  -  7 

A  warning  from  the  spirit  of  truth  unto  all  persecutors  and  enemies 
of  the  dear  children  of  God,  who  follow  the  Lamb,  and  arc  the 
meek  of  the  earth,  -  -  -  -  -  -    2 1 

Against  Egypt,  who  love  the  land  of  darkness,  .* 
A  word  to  the  sandy  builders  of  Babel  in  England,  -  -  30 

A  voice  against  Balaam,  Cain,  and  Core;  and  a  word  to  the  simple 
hearted,  who  desire  to  know  the  truth,    -  -  -  -  31 

A  lamentable  voice  to  the  careless,  licentious  ones,  -  -  34 

A  word  of  information  to  the  ignorant,  who  are  not  wholly  hardened,  35 
A  discovery  of  the  way  to  everlasting  peace  with  God,  and  a  direc- 
tion and  exhortation  to  walk  therein,       -  -  -  -  36 

A  tender  visitation  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Pool,  -  41 

A  call  and  warning  of  love  to  the  people  called  Ana-baptists,        -  44 
Some  queries  given  forth  from  the  spirit  of  truth,  to  be  answered 
by  the  witness  of  God  in  their  consciences,  who  profess  the  scrip- 
tures only,  but  know  not  the  life  that  gave  them  forth,  -  -  48 
A  word  to  all  such  who  live  in  lustful,  riotous  practices,   -  -  51 
A  true  voice  and  revelation  of  God  unto  all  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  the  fallen  Adam,          -          -          -          -          -  -53 

Some  queries  for  any  of  the  priests  and  rulers  of  the  nations,  who 
profess  the  scriptures,  to  consider  and  answer  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  God,  -  -  -  -  -  -  -60 

A  letter  to  John  Bulkley  called  a  justice,  concerning  my  imprison- 
ment in  the  House  of  Correction  at  Winchester,  -  -  63 
The  blood  of  righteous  Abel  crying  from  the  ground:  Being  a 
lamentation  for,  and  a  warning  to  all  that  have  a  hand  against  the 
innocent  people  of  God;  especially  intended  for  the  rulers  and 
priests  in  Hampshire,  who  have  hardened  their  hearts  against  the 
day  of  slaughter,  wherein  they  shall  feel  Cain's  punishment,  which 
he  was  not  able  to  bear;  who  have  been  often  warned  by  the  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord,  yet  have  they  not  done  that  which  is  just  in  his 
sight;  but  have  imprisoned  several  of  his  servants  these  many 
months,  without  just  cause,  and  do  increase  their  bondage  upon 
us,  where  nine  of  us  are  kept  close  prisoners  in  an  unwholesome 
stinking  hole,  not  fit  for  beasts,  whose  cry  is  not  only  gone  through 
the  nation,  but  is  also  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  God  of 
rest,  who  will  plead  our  cause  in  righteousness.  Also,  the  decree 
of  the  Lord  sealed  and  made  manifest  to  his  servant,  that  all  the 
plottings,  snares  and  persecutions,  which  the  powers  of  the  earth 
and  darkness,  and  the  gates  of  hell,  can  invent,  and  rise  up  with, 
shall  never  prevail  against  his  power  that  is  now  broke  forth  and 
made  manifest  in  his  dear  children,  who  in  scorn  are  called 


iv 


A  voice  and  visitation  of  God  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  76 

A  short  discovery  of  the  state  of  man ;  before  the  fall,  in  the  fall, 
and  out  of  the  fall  again  :  Wherein  is  also  laid  open  the  ignorance 
and  error  of  Robert  Hall,  preacher  at  Colebrooke,  in  Bucking- 
hamshire, and  Edmund  Board  of  the  same  town,  a  professor,  who 
are  contentious,  obeying  not  the  truth  (which  they  be  erred  from,) 
but  do  oppose  themselves  against  it,  as  may  be  seen  with  the  sin- 
gle eye,     -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -81 

A  warning  from  the  Lord  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  London; 
Given  forth  on  the  day  after  their  fast  and  humiliation,  the  first 
day  of  the  Seventh-month,  1659,    -  -  -  -  -  92 

For  them  that  do  nourish  up  their  hearts  as  in  a  day  of  slaughter, 
who  for  the  joy  of  an  earthly  king,  have  grieved,  dishonoured  and 
blasphemed  the  Lord,  who  is  king  of  heaven  and  the  whole  earth, 
before  whom  all  nations  must  bow  and  tremble,  -  -  96 

The  life  of  Enoch  again  revived;  in  which  Abel's  offering  is  accept- 
ed, and  Cain's  mark  known,  and  he  rejected :  through  the  open- 
ing of  the  inward  mystery  of  creation,  by  the  first  mover  and 
former  thereof,  who  is  the  only  wise,  invisible  God,       -  -  101 

The  travail  of  the  bowels  of  Sion,  and  the  cry  of  the  sins  of  Sodom 
is  very  great  this  day  before  the  Lord,     -  -  -  -  108 

A  common  objection  answered  about  the  name  of  Jesus,   -  -  114 

A  brief  declaration  to  all  the  world,  from  the  innocent  people  of 
God,  called  Quakers,  of  our  principle  and  belief  concerning  plot- 
tings  and  fightings  with  carnal  weapons  against  any  people,  men 
or  nations  upon  the  earth;  to  take  away  the  reproach  of  any  jea- 
lousy out  of  the  minds  of  all  people,  concerning  us  in  this  parti- 
cular; and  to  answer  that  common  objection,  whether  we  would 
not  fight  if  the  spirit  moved  us?   -  -  -  -  -  119 

Jacob  is  become  a  flame,  and  the  house  of  Esau  stubble:  or  the  bat- 
tle betwixt  Michael  and  the  dragon,  in  which  the  seed  of  the  wo- 
man is  bruising  the  serpent's  head  ;  and  Cain  the  first  birth  (the 
persecutor)  is  found  the  vagabond;  and  Abel  and  Abraham  (that 
wandered)  the  friends  of  God:  being  a  true  discovery  of  the  two 
seeds  or  births,  between  which  the  enmity  is  put;  the  time  and 
day  being  come,  in  which  the  elders  must  serve  the  younger,  126 

A  few  words  to  the  priests,  bishops,  episcopal  men,  and  professors 
of  this  last  age,      -  -  -  -  -  -  -138 

Some  occasional  queries  concerning  a  vagabond,    -  -  -  139 

A  short  warning  to  the  rulers  and  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  -  142 

The  vision  of  William  Bayly,         -  -  -  -  -  145 

A  general  epistle  to  all  friends,  who  are  called  and  gathered  of  God, 
called  Quakers,     -  -  -  -  -  -  -148 

Some  words  given  forth  by  the  spirit  of  truth  to  all  people,  in  the 
year,  1662,  -  -  -  -  -  -  151 

A  message  sent  forth  from  the  risen  seed  of  God :  Being  a  faithful 
expostulation  and  testimony  concerning  the  unjust  and  hard  deal- 
ings of  the  rulers  and  people  in  England;  who  have  a  hand  in  the 
cruel  oppressions  and  sufferings  of  the  people  of  God  called 
Quakers,    -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  155 

Deep  calleth  unto  deep :  Or,  a  visitation  from  on  high  unto  the 
breathing  seed  of  Jacob,  which  is  not  satisfied  among  all  the  pro- 


V 


fessions  in  the  earth,  or  with  the  husks  cannot  fill  its  belly, 
but  is  pinched  with  hunger,  and  feels  a  secret  cry  for  the  true 
bread,  that  comes  down  from  heaven,  which  giveth  eternal  life; 
wherein  is  opened  some  of  the  mysteries  of  God's  kingdom,  to 
the  clear  understanding  of  the  poor  in  spirit,  to  whom  it  belongs,  164 
Concerning  the  knowledge  of  God  ;  his  worships  and  of  the  First- 


day  and  the  Seventh-day,  or  Sabbath  day,  Sec.    -  -  -  167 

The  character  of  true  worship,  and  of  false  worship  and  worship- 
pers,        -  -  -  -  -  -  -  •  ib. 

Of  the  fall  and  restoration  of  man,  - 

Concerning  God,  what  he  is,  and  where  he  is,  &c.  -  -  169 

Of  the  Sabbath  day,  -  -  -  -  -  -171 

Concerning  Christ  Jesus,  and  his  names,  &x.         -  -  -  176 

Concerning  the  word  and  the  scriptures,    -  —         -  -  180 

Concerning  the  gospel,        -  -  -  -  -  -  181 

Concerning  the  body  of  Christ,       -  -  -  -  -  182 

'  Concerning  Christ's  second  coming,  and  kingdom,  and  reign;  and 
of  the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  becoming  his  kingdoms,  -  186 


A  grievous  lamentation  over  thee,  O  England,  or  the  greatest  part 
of  thy  inhabitants,  who  have  withstood  the  day  of  their  visitation: 
With  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  thy  rulers  and  teachers,  who  con- 
tinue persecuting  and  oppressing  the  dear  children  and  people  of 
the  Most  High,  whom  he  hath  raised  in  thee,  and  sent  to  warn 
thee  that  thou  mightest  have  repented,  and  been  saved  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  which  now  shall  speedily  overtake  thee,  -  190 

To  the  camp  of  Israel,  (whom  he  hath  brought  up  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  by  a  mighty  hand  and  out-stretched  arm,)  called  Qua- 
kers in  England,  (or  elsewhere  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,)  a  visi- 
tation and  dear  salutation  from  the  breathings  of  the  life  of  a  true 
Jew,  in  the  tender  love  of  the  God  of  Jacob,       -  -  -  195 

The  Lamb's  government  to  be  exalted  over  all  in  Israel ;  who  is  the 
captain  of  their  salvation,  whose  right  alone  it  is  (in  whose  mouth 
is  found  no  guile,)  and  not  any  other  birth,  spirit,  man  or  image 
whatsoever:  Or,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  risen  like  devouring  fire, 
to  search  out  every  false  birth  and  false  spirit,  and  to  consume 
Anti-christ  with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  destroy  him  by  the 
brightness  of  his  coming,  -----  204- 

Concerning  government  in  families,  See.     -  -  -  -  211 

Israel  is  commanded,  not  to  meddle  with  physic  or  physicians, 
Sec.  for  any  disease  or  distemper,  without  the  leadings  and  coun- 
sel of  the  Lord  their  God,  8cc.     -  -  -  -  -  218 

No  babe  in  Israel  to  study  for  the  attaining  the  laws  of  men,  to  make 
their  defence,  &c.  ------  224 

To  the  blessed  seed,  and  children  of  the  everlasting  holy  covenant, 
in  the  life  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile, 
throughout  the  whole  creation;  a  most  dear  and  tender  salutation,  225 
A  few  seasonable  words  to  pass  through  Israel  as  a  warning;  that 
all  may  take  heed  they  do  not  betray  their  testimony  in  this  day 
of  trial  and  hour  of  temptation,  which  is  come  upon  all  to  try 
them;  and  if  any  be  guilty  hereof,  to  repent  with  speed,  and  do  so 
no.more,    --------  jjo 

An  answer  to  a  query,  published  in  the  News  Book,  concerning 
help  against  the  Turk,      -----        *-  232 


Vi 


An  arrow  shot  against  Babylon,  out  of  Joseph's  bow,  which  grew 
up  from  the  stem  of  Jesse,  the  root  and  offspring  of  David,  (and 
was  bent  by  the  archer  of  Israel,)  which  hath  struck  at  Cain's 
mark,  from  Paradise  into  the  land  of  Nod,  and  hath  lighted  in  the 
skirts  of  the  great  whore,  to  the  discovering  the  mother,  or 
original,  of  harlots,  and  all  abominations  of  the  earth;  tracing 
her  in  her  footsteps,  with  all  her  companions  and  merchants, 
the  beast,  dragon  and  false  prophet,  by  the  blood  of  the  prophets 
and  saints,  and  of  all  that  were  slain  upon  the  earth.  And  also, 
pursuing  her  from  her  birth,  or  the  serpent's  hole,  out  of  which 
she  came,  to  her  latter  end,  which  is  the  bottomless  pit,  or  lake 
of  fire,  into  which  she  must  return,         -  -  -  -  234 

Also,  some  questions,  to  be  answered  by  the  persecutors  about  re- 
ligion and  worship,  who  are  usurping  authority  over  men's  con- 
sciences, in  such  things  which  only  belong  to  God,  and  are 
neglecting  their  own  duty  and  place,  in  not  relieving  the  oppress- 
ed, and  doing  justice,  and  executing  true  and  righteous  judgment 
between  man  and  man,  but  are  making  it  their  work  to  ensnare 
the  righteous,  and  oppress  the  innocent,  and  to  strengthen  the 
hands  of  the  wicked,  and  encourage  the  evil  doers;  for  which 
thing's  sake  God  will  rebuke  them,         -  -  -  -  251 

A  vindication  of  the  commands  and  doctrine  of  Christ  Jesus,  and 
of  his  people;  in  their  faithful  obedience  to  him,  against  all  swear- 
ers, and  swearing  whatsoever,  according  to  the  scriptures  of 
truth,         -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  255 

A  few  words  more  to  the  rulers,  priests,  teachers  and  people,  of 
what  sort  soever,  in  this  nation  of  England,  from  the  highest  to 
the  lowest,  who  have  any  hand  in  persecuting  the  innocent,  8cc.  266 

Pure  encouragements  from  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  as  a  joyful  salu- 
tation, with  full  assurance  of  victory  unto  the  noble  army  of  the 
lamb,  against  whom  the  gates  of  hell  and  death  shall  never  pre- 
vail, -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  269 

The  great  and  dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty  (which  is 
hastening  as  a  flood  upon  the  whole  world  of  the  ungodly)  once 
more  proclaimed ;  that  all  people  may  again  be  warned  to  re- 
pent with  speed,  and  so  be  left  without  excuse,  -  275 

An  epistle  general:  containing  wholesome  exhortations  and  good 
counsel  from  the  spirit  of  truth,  unto  all  such  as  are  or  may  be 
under  the  judgment  or  sentence  of  banishment  for  the  testimony 
of  Jesus  Christ  (which  is  held  in  a  tender  conscience)  through- 
out the  nation  of  England,  -----  279 

To  all  them  that  are  yet  at  liberty,  (to  be  faithful  to  the  Lord,  and 
meet  often  together  in  the  fear  of  his  name,  and  not  to  fear  man, 
that  shall  be  made  as  grass;)  and  to  all  in  bonds,  prisons  and 
holes  every  where  throughout  the  world,  who  are  bearing  and 
suffering  for  the  same  testimony  of  truth  and  righteousness,  which 
the  Lord  hath  decreed  shall  prosper  and  spread  over  all  the  world 
till  the  kingdoms  thereof  are  become  his  kingdoms,  and  he  shall 
reign  forever  and  ever,  -  -  -  -  -  285 

A  few  words  of  advice  to  all  who  have  or  may  have,  any  message 
or  business  upon  the  account  of  truth  to  such  as  are  in  authority 
in  the  nations,      -  -  -  -  -  -  -  290 


vii 


Some  words  of  warning  and  exhortation  unto  ail  young  people  and 
children  throughout  the  whole  world,     -  292 

For  the  king  and  parliament,  and  his  council  and  teachers,  and  to 
every  individual  person,  superior  and  inferior,  throughout  the 
English  nation,  that  have  a  hand  against  the  innocent  people 
of  God,  called  quakers;  one  visitation  and  warning  more  from 
the  Lord  unto  you,  -  298 

The  dreadful  and  terrible  day  of  the  Lord  God  to  overtake  this 
generation  suddenly,  once  more  proclaimed,      -  306 

A  testimony  of  truth  against  all  the  sowers  of  dissention,  strife  and 
discord  amongst  the  people  of  God,  by  what  practice  or  under 
what  pretence  soever,      ------  309 

The  true  Christ  owned;  in  a  few  plain  words  of  truth,  by  way  of 
reply  to  all  such  professors  or  profane,  who  lay  to  the  charge 
of  the  elect  people  of  God,  called  Quakers,  that  they  deny  the 
blood  of  Christ,  and  his  body  and  resurrection,  and  that  they  deny 
the  Lord  that  bought  them,  and  trample  the  blood  of  the  covenant 


under  their  feet,    -  -  -  -  -  -  -314 

The  first  query  and  charge,  -  -  -  -  -  315 

The  second  query  and  charge,  -  -  -  -  -317 

The  third  query  and  charge,  -----  322 

A  letter  to  the  mayor  of  London,  -----  329 


A  faithful  testimony  and  warning,  concerning  the  certainty  of  the 
great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord,  broken  forth  in  this  age,  after 
the  long  night  of  apbstacy ;  wherein  he  will  accomplish  his  great 
and  glorious  work  determined  of  redemption  and  restoration,   -  331 

Something  concerning  the  sufficiency  of  the  grace  of  God,  which 
hath  appeared  unto  all  men,  &c.  -  336 

A  few  words  more  to  all  such  as  slight  and  make  a  mock  at  the  light 
within,  as  a  foolish,  erroneous  and  contemptible  thing,  -  -  339 

A  few  words  in  true  breathings  of  love  unto  such  as  are  turned 
in  this  day  of  his  power  from  darkness  to  the  light,  and  do  be- 
lieve in  it,  and  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,     -  -  342 

An  answer  to  those  cries  among  some  ignorant  people,  viz.  where 
did  you  ever  hear  or  read,  in  all  the  scriptures,  of  a  people  called 
Quakers;  and  that  preached  of  a  light  within  people,  as  you  Qua- 
kers do?  And  is  not  your  religion  anew  religion,  of  about  twenty- 
years  standing,  not  heard  of  before?  And  whether  you,  called 
Quakers,  do  not  deny  the  scriptures  to  be  the  word  of  God? 
And  whether  you  do  not  hold  that  dangerous  tenet  of  perfection 
in  this  life,  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  ib, 

A  call  and  visitation  from  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  and  earth  unto 
Christendom,  so  called,  who  profess  they  know  God,  but  in  works 
deny  him :  being  also  an  examination  of  them,  how  they  came 
by  the  name  christian ;  and  it  is  a  warning  to  them  all  to  repent 
with  speed,  before  the  dreadful  judgments  of  Almighty  God 
(which  hang  over  their  heads)  be  poured  forth  upon  them;  with 
an  exhortation  and  direction,  how  they  may  come  into  the  way 
of  everlasting  peace  with  God,  and  escape  the  wrath  to  come,  351 

A  true  discovery  of  the  ground  of  that  cry  among  the  priests  and 
teachers  in  Christendom  (viz.)  that  visions  and  revelations  are 
ceased :  and  a  charge  and  warning  to  them  from  the  Lord,  that 
'    all  such  cease  preaching  to  the  people,  Sec.  -  -  365 


viii 


RebeiEon  rebuked :  in  an  answer  to  a  scandalous  pamphlet,  entitled, 
the  Quaker  converted  to  Christianity,  &c.  written  by  one  William 
Haworth,  an  Independent  preacher  in  Hartfordshire,  and  William 
Dimsdale,  a  young  man  in  the  town  of  Hartford,  a  professor 
and  a  hearer  of  the  said  W.  H.    -  -  -  -  375 

To  a  people  much  given  to  drunkenness  and  swearing,  &c.  being 
the  copy  of  a  paper  written  and  given  forth  at  Polch-ground, 
within  the  Haven  of  Long-sound,  in  Norway,  the  22d  of  the  Fifth 
month,  1674,  in  the  king  of  Denmark's  dominions,       -  -  397 

Postscript,    -  -  -  -  -  "  -  398 

The  last  words  spoken  by  William  Bayly,  a  little  before  his  depar- 
ture of  the  body,  being  the  First-day  of  the  Fourth-month,  1675,-  399 

Mary  Bayly's  testimony  concerning  her  husband,  &c.       -         -  400 


TO  THE  READER. 


The  author  of  these  works  was  one  amongst  the  many  valiants  in 
our  Israel,  whom  God  raised  up  to  bear  witness  to  his  great  name,  and 
to  be  as  one  of  those  servants,  who  unstopped  the  wells  that  were 
open  in  Abraham's  time,  but  afterwards  through  rage  and  envy  were 
filled  again. 

Yet  not  fainting  in  that  undertaking,  he  went  on,  like  one  of  David's 
worthies,  until  he  had  gained  water  for  the  thirsty  to  drink,  notwith- 
standing all  opposition  from  the  uncircumcised. 

His  zeal  for  God  and  his  blessed  truth  was  known  to  many  witnesses; 
for  as  he  was  a  true  Boanerges,  or  son  of  thunder,  to  beat  down  deceit 
and  falsehood,  so  was  he  also  a  son  of  consolation,  to  comfort  the  weak 
and  tender. 

He  had  a  way  to  thresh  the  swelling  mountains,  till  they  became  as 
dust  before  him;  and  yet  at  the  same  time,  with  his  arms  to  take  up 
the  meek  and  lowly,  and  bear  them  as  in  his  bosom. 

When  his  countenance  was  set  against  the  wicked,  his  face  was  filled 
with  majesty;  and  the  terror  of  his  words  pierced  their  inward  parts. 

His  gift  in  ministering, both  as  to  matter  and  utterance,  was  both  plain 
and  prevalent.  He  divided  the  word  aright;  for  he  fed  the  fat  with 
judgment,  and  yet  he  had  milk  for  babes,  and  stronger  meat  for  those 
of  riper  age. 

He  was  a  man  mighty  in  the  scripture,  being  well  acquainted  both 
with  the  history  and  mystery  thereof,  through  the  assistance  of  that 
spirit  which  gave  him  a  true  understanding  in  both;  making  them^ 
sometimes  in  his  hand  as  a  battle-axe  in  the  hand  of  a  warrior,  to  cut 
down  the  opposers  of  his  testimony;  and  sometimes  as  balm,  which  he 
had  ready  to  apply  to  the  sores  of  those  that  were  truly  pricked  to  the 
heart  by  the  word  of  life. 

He  measured  not  his  time  by  the  glass,  nor  spared  his  pains  for  fear 
of  spending  himself;  but  what  he  undertook  for  God,  he  did  it  with  all 
his  might. 

He  was  not  a  man  of  shadows,  but  for  the  substantial  part  of  religion, 
having  formerly  been  a  teacher  amongst  the  Baptists,  but  could  not  be 
satisfied,  (with  those  washings,)  till  he  had  found  that  living  fountain 
which  cleanseth  from  sin  and  from  uncleanness,  and  to  remove  all 

1 


2 


idolatry  and  superstition,  with  the  evil  spirit,  the  cause  of  it,  to  be 
quite  taken  away,  according  to  the  promise  of  the  Lord  by  the  mouth 
of  the  prophet  Zechary,  chap.  xiii.  1,  2. 

And  as  he  was  bold  and  zealous  in  his  preaching,  being  willing  to 
improve  his  time,  as  if  he  had  known  it  was  not  to  be  long  amongst 
us;  so  was  he  as  valiant  in  suffering  for  his  innocent  testimony,  when 
called  thereunto;  being  so  well  assured  of  the  proof  of  his  armour,  that 
he  knew  no  opposition  could  enter  it,  nor  any  stroke  of  envy  prevail 
against  him  in  it. 

Methinks  I  see,  how  once  I  saw  him  stand  at  the  bar,  to  plead  his 
innocent  cause,  like  holy  Stephen  in  the  senate  house,  when  the 
threats  of  his  persecutors  resembled  the  showers  of  stones  falling  upon 
that  blessed  martyr,  crying  out  with  a  hideous  noise,  "  Take  him  away 
jailer,"  "Receive  him  dungeon,"  "Stop  his  mouth  executioner,"  &c. 

Yet  all  this  while  he  changed  not  his  countenance,  except  by  the 
additional  ornaments  of  some  innocent  smiles;  but  followed  the  example 
of  our  Lord,  who  set  his  face  as  a  flint  against  all  opposition  to  the 
blessed  testimony  his  father  had  given  him  to  jpear. 

If  it  were  lawful  for  that  great  apostle,  and  that  without  boasting, 
to  give  account  of  his  own  sufferings  and  perils  by  sea  and  by  land, 
from  both  open  enemies  and  professed  friends,  as  false  brethren,  &c. 
and  sometimes  to  number  the  stripes  which  he  received,  saying,  "Forty 
stripes  save  one  I  received,"  &c. ;  surely  without  offence  I  may  relate 
something  of  the  great  sufferings  of  this  good  man,  that  it  may  appear 
it  was  not  only  given  to  him  to  believe,  and  to  preach  the  word  of  faith, 
but  also  to  suffer  for  the  same. 

Sometimes  by  cruel  persecutors  being  thrown  down  and  dragged 
upon  the  ground  by  the  hair  of  his  head,  and  his  mouth  and  jaws  being 
endeavoured  to  be  rent  and  broke  asunder,  that  the  ground  whereon 
he  lay  was  smeared  with  blood;  yet,  as  if  this  butchering  of  him  had 
not  been  enough  to  make  him  a  fit  sacrifice  for  the  shambles  of  their 
cruelty,  a  heavy  gross  bodied  persecutor  stamped  upon  his  breast  with 
his  feet,  endeavouring  to  beat  the  breath  out  of  his  body.  And  when 
this  persecutor  had  done  his  pleasure,  he  commanded  the  jailer  to 
take  him  away,  and  put  him  in  some  nasty  hole  for  his  entertainment 
and  cure.  And  had  not  the  God  of  Israel  been  his  physician  there,  he 
had  been  taken  from  us  long  ere  this. 

This  christian  soldier  was  not  only  strong  to  draw  the  bow,  but  too 
valiant  also  to  turn  his  back  in  the  day  of  battle. 

Gentle  reader,  the  boly  hosts  with  whom  he  marched  in  company, 
and  engaged  in  many  spiritual  combats,  for  the  defence  of  God's  blessed 
truth,  against  a  hypocritical  and  gain  saying  generation,  can  give  an 


s 


account  of  his  faithfulness,  and  say  with  Solomon,  "As  is  the  fining  pot 
to  silver,  so  is  a  man  to  his  praise." 

And  if  thou  wilt  hear  those  Christian  children,  whom  he,  as  an  instru- 
ment, hath  begotten  in  the  faith,  they  can  tell  thee  what  a  father  in 
Israel  is  taken  from  them. 

If  thou  wilt,  ask  his  tender  widow  and  fatherless  children,  and  hear 
patiently  their  bemoanings,  and  they  can  tell  thee,  that  the  deceased 
husband  and  tender  father  esteemed  not  his  life  too  dear  to  adventure 
it  upon  the  mighty  waters,  at  several  times,  to  discharge  his  duty  to 
his  family,  in  providing  what  he  could  for  their  necessity. 

And  lastly,  call  forth  the  tender  people,  both  here  and  beyond  the 
seas,  that  have  been  made  partakers  of  his  labours,  and  comforted  by 
his  ministry,  and  they  can  declare  what  an  able  instructor  in  righte- 
ousness is  removed  from  them. 

Well,  let  us  now  all  at  parting  conclude  of  this,  viz.  to  cry  mightily 
to  the  great  Lord  of  the  harvest,  to  pour  out  a  double  portion  of  his 
spirit  upon  some  worthy  instrument,  as  he  did  upon  Elisha,  to  succeed 
him  in  that  work  and  service. 

I  have  little  more  to  say,  than  with  the  apostle,  not  to  cease  to  give 
thanks  to  God  for  all  his  mercies  to  the  faithful,  making  mention  of 
them  in  my  prayers,  "that  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
of  glory,  might  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation,  through 
the  acknowledgment  of  Christ,  that  the  eyes  of  your  understandings 
may  be  enlightened,  that  ye  may  know  what  the  hope  is  of  his  calling, 
and  what  the  riches  of  his  glorious  inheritance  is  in  the  saints." 

These  things  being  enjoyed,  all  our  hardships,  sufferings,  and  losses 
are  recompensed,  and  we  the  greatest  gainers  thereby,  being  thus  pre- 
pared to  follow  our  deceased  brother,  who  now,  like  Isaac,  is  gotten 
past  Eseck,  and  Sitnah  too,  and  dwelleth  as  at  Rehoboth,*  wheFe  there 
is  not  only  room  enough, but  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling;  and  there 
the  wearied  be  at  rest;  there  the  prisoners  rest  together,  they  hear 
not  the  voice  of  the  oppressor;  the.  small  and  great  are  there,  and  the 
servant  is  free  from  his  master.f 

For  these  papers  he  hath  left  behind  him,  I  need  say  nothing, 
because  to  the  plain  and  simple  hearted,  whose  eye  is  to  the  meat,  and 
heed  not  so  much  the  dish  it  comes  in,  to  such  they  will  speak  forth 
their  own  worth;  but  to  others,  that  regard  more  him  that  speaketh 
than  what  is  said,  and  the  fineness  of  the  words  more  than  the  sound- 
ness of  matter,  such  may  dislike  it  only  for  its  homely  dress. 

I  doubt  not  but  his  writings  \*ill  find  the  entertainment  of  faeir 
master,  which  was  not  often  amongst  the  great  and  wise  of  this  world, 


•  Gen.  xxy\.  22. 


f  Job,  iii.  17,  18,  19. 


4 


but  amongst  the  meek  and  lowly  minded,  from  whom  he  never  wanted 
a  prophet's  reward,  though  sometimes  like  a  cup  of  cold  water,  yet  to 
be  sure  it  had  the  blessing  with  it. 

So  I  commend  the  impartial  reader  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus  in  his 
own  conscience,  that  in  and  with  the  same  he  may  read  and  understand, 
both  to  his  present  edification,  and  future  consolation  forever. 

Thy  loving  friend, 

John  Crook. 

London,  the  9th  of  the  9th  Month,  1675. 

Jl  short  testimony  occasioned  by  the  sudden  removal  of  the  servant 
of  the  Lord,  William  Bayly. 

Honourable  indeed  is  he  whom  the  Lord  honours,  and  such  a  one 
was  this,  that  yet  lives  though  not  beheld  with  visible  eyes;  yet  who 
are  come  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  have  fellowship  with 
him  in  the  spirit  that  has  quickened  to  God;  and  because  Christ  lives 
he  lives  also;  not  in  that  which  corrupts,  but  in  the  incorruptible  life 
of  the  son  of  God.  A  gain  indeed,  (wherever,  and  at  what  time 
soever,)  is  death,  to  all  whose  life  is  Christ;  and  in  this  life  he  was 
witnessed  to  be  by  many,  furnished  therein  to  make  known  the  way 
thereto,  and  by  the  power  thereof  has  held  forth  the  glory  and  good- 
ness of  that  immortal  life  in  which  he  lives  for  evermore.  So  it  is  not 
to  that  which  is  come  to  an  end  that  I  bear  my '  testimony,  but  to 
the  endless  life  of  Jesus,  which  who  lives  in  can  never  die.  Though 
the  tabernacle  of  clay  is  gone  to  its  centre,  the  spirit  is  ascended  above 
the  reach  of  the  enemy,  and  the  rest  is  known  and  witnessed,  into  which 
the  sanctified  enter,  and  reign  over  all  that  ever  did  or  can  disturb; 
and  having  converted  souls  unto  God,  does  and  must  shine  as  the  stars 
in  the  firmament  of  God. 

I  would  not  speak  man's  praise,  or  give  a  glory 
To  that  which  corrupts,  and  is  but  transitory: 
But  being  come  to  that  eternal  spirit, 
Wherein  the  righteous  do  and  shall  inherit, 
Sound  forth  the  glory  of  that  "living  name, 
That  by  judgment  and  mercy  doth  exalt  his  fame: 
(        His  ways  are  equal,  and  hi*  judgments  just; 
So  bless'd  are  all  that  in  his  power  do  trust. 


Rebecca  Traverse. 


5 


Jewell  Guy's  Testimony  concerning  William  Bayly. 

As  concerning  this,  my  forever  dear  friend,  William  Bayly,  this  tes- 
timony arises  in  my  heart,  that  he  was  a  man  endued  with  a  heavenly 
gift,  and  was  inspired  with  the  holy  spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord's 
heavenly  presence  was  with  him,  and  the  arm  of  God's  power  did  ac- 
company him.  And  instrumental  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  he  in 
convincing  many,  and  bringing  many  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth, 
as  I  am  a  witness  of  the  same,  for  as  an  epistle  of  his  am  I;  and  by  the 
testimony  which  he  bore,  and  by  the  power  of  the  Lord  which  ruled 
in  him,  was  I  convinced  of  the  truth  of  our  God,  by  which  truth  I  have 
through  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  known  freedom  and  a  day  of  liberty. 
And  this  I  also  say  concerning  him,  that  he  was  a  man  ready  to  lend  a 
helping  hand  unto  the  weak,  and  was  as  strength  to  them  that  were 
of  no  might;  for  he  did  direct  to  that  wherein  strength  and  sufficiency 
was,  even  the  truth  and  spirit  of  the  Lord  God.  Yea,  and  this  also 
have  I  to  say  concerning  him,  that  he  was  a  man  of  a  meek  and  ten- 
der spirit  unto  all  that  had  tenderness  to  God-ward,  but  terrible  was 
his  testimony  to  all  them  that  were  given  to  work  wickedness;  yea, 
the  word  of  the  Lord  that  did  abide  in  him  was  as  a  sharp  sword  to 
that  nature.  And  for  his  ministry,  I  say,  it  was  very  excellent,  even 
to  the  reaching  to  all  conditions;  for  he  could  speak  a  word  in  due  sea- 
son to  all  that  had  desires  unto  the  Lord,  and  breathings  after  the 
knowledge  of  his  way,  and  many  are  the  children  that  have  been 
gathered  by  him:  for  as  an  instrument  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was 
he,  and  often  was  his  heart  well  tuned  by  the  power  of  the  Lord,  that 
by  it  he  did  proclaim  the  acceptable  day  of  the  Lord,  and  sound  forth 
his  high  praises  in  the  demonstration,  and  spirit,  and  power  of  the  Lord, 
whose  living  presence  was  with  him,  and  whose  glorious  power  did  ac- 
company him.  And  surely  this  I  can  say,  that  terrible  was  his  testi- 
mony to  hireling  priests,  that  had  led  the  people  in  the  by-ways  of  sin; 
yea,  he  prophesied  of  their  consumption,  and  also  of  the  laying  waste 
of  the  heritage  of  the  wicked,  which  I  have  in  some  part  seen  accom- 
plished, and  do  believe  shall  live  to  see  more;  for  my  belief  is,  that  all 
wickedness  shall  go  down,  and  righteousness  shall  be  established,  and 
the  Lord  alone  shall  reign,  whose  right  it  is  to  reign  in  the  hearts  of 
the  children  of  men. 

Written  by  a  friend  to  the  truth, 

Jewell  Guy. 


6 


Jl  short  Testimony  concerning  William  Bayly. 

I  having  known  him  for  about  seven  years  before  he  departed  this 
life,  which  was  ever  since  he  came  first  to  the  Barbadoes,  this  I  do  say 
concerning  him,  that  he  was  a  very  innocent  man,  and  a  man  full  of 
the  wisdom  and  power  of  God;  and  the  Lord  had  given  him  a  very 
large  measure  of  knowledge  and  understanding  in  the  mysteries  of  his 
kingdom  of  life  and  power.  For  indeed  he  was  acquainted  with  the 
very  deep  things  of  God;  and  the  mysteries  of  life  itself  frequently 
opened  in  him,  the  which  he,  as  an  able  minister  of  the  gospel,  and 
word  of  life  and  reconciliation,  spoke  forth  in  much  power  and  wisdom, 
to  the  piercing  of  many  hearts,  and  many  strong  men  fell  down  wound- 
ed by  him,  and  the  hearts  of  the  stoutest  and  greatest  opposers  of 
truth  many  times  failed  because  of  the  power  that  was  with  him:  for 
the  Lord  had  taught  his  hands  to  war  and  his  fingers  to  fight;  and  he 
was  very  expert  in  handling  his  sharp  sword,  which  the  Lord  had  put 
into  his  hand,  with  which  he  gave  the  enemy  of  man's  peace  many  a 
deadly  wound,  and  cut  deep  into  the  very  inmost  parts  of  many  of  his 
soldiers,  so  that  they  were  not  able  to  stand  before  him,  nor  to  resist 
the  great  power  and  authority  that  was  with  him.  And  indeed  this  I 
can  certainly  say  and  affirm  concerning  him,  that  he  had  great  power 
and  favour  both  with  God  and  man;  yea,  he  was  as  I  may  say,  a  very 
glorious  instrument  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  many  were  convinced 
by  him,  and  turned  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  satan 
to  God.  Further  I  have  to  say  concerning  him,  he  was  a  hidden  man, 
whom  many  knew  not,  neither  were  acquainted  with  his  habitation, 
nor  yet  knew  his  life;  yea,  he  was  beyond  many  in  understanding  and 
knowledge  of  the  very  depth  and  ground  of  the  things  of  God.  He  is 
assuredly  gone  into  rest  and  peace  with  his  Father  and  our  Father;  and 
although  his  outward  man  is  dead,  yet  in  spirit  he  lives  with  us  and 
amongst  us  unto  all  eternity,  and  is  with  the  spirits  of  all  the  just  men 
in  all  ages,  and  hath  peace  in  their  peace,  and  rest  in  their  rest;  and 
is  in  that  wherein  the  morning  stars  sing  together,  and  the  sons  of  God 
even  shout  for  joy;  in  which  and  with  whom  our  souls  had  unity  and 
peace,  in  that  life  which  was  before  the  world  was,  or  that  the  foun- 
dation of  the  earth  was  laid. 

Further  I  have  to  say  concerning  this  man  of  God:  as  he  had  been 
at  the  Barbadoes  four  or  five  times,  he  always  used  my  house  more 
than  any  other,  and  can  testify  concerning  him,  that  he  was  of  an  in- 
nocent and  blameless  life  and  conversation;  I  can  truly  say  and  affirm, 
that  his  conversation  did  adorn  the  gospel,  and  that  his  words  adminis- 
tered grace  to  the  hearers;  yea,  hi  his  very  common  communication 


7 


his  words  were  seasoned,  and  had  virtue  in  them.  And  though  much 
more  might  be  said  of  this  our  dear  brother,  yet  this  may  suffice,  that 
he  was  a  faithful  servant  of  the  living  God,  and  an  able  minister  of  the 
gospel,  and  is  much  missed  in  the  church  of  Christ;  for  his  labours  were 
profitable  to  many. 

And  I  could  not  be  satisfied  until  I  gave  this  short  testimony  concern- 
ing him;  so  that  now  I  am  eased,  and  my  spirit  is  satisfied  in  giving 
this  relation  concerning  him,  who  am  but  one  of  the  least  of  his  breth- 
ren, the  flock  of  Christ. 

John  Taylor. 

Jl  short  relation,  or  testimony,  of  the  working  of  the  light  of  Christ 
in  me  from  my  childhood:  by  one  who  is  now  a  witness  of  the 
spirit  of  truth,  (who?n  the  world  cannot  receive,)  which  doth  con- 
vince of  sin.  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment,  and  brings  all 
things  to  remembrance,  and  showeth  me  things  to  come.  Glory 
to  the  Lord  forever. 


Come  see  a  man  which  told  me  all  things  that  ever  I  did;" is  not  this  the  Christ? — 
John  iv.  29. 


In  the  eternal  light  and  life  of  God,  wherewith  I  and  all  mankind 
are  lighted,  do  I  now  stand  and  rejoice  over  the  world,  and  all  its  glory 
and  enmity,  over  the  beast  and  false  prophet  within  and  without, 
having  received  power  from  the  Father  of  life,  (in  the  way  of  his 
judgments,)  after  which  my  soul  had  long  breathed  and  thirsted,  even 
from  a  child,  though  then  I  knew  not  what  my  soul  panted  for;  but 
now  know,  the  mysteries  of  God's  everlasting  kingdom  are  revealed  to 
the  babes  that  fear  him,  but  to  others  they  are  in  parables. 

When  I  was  about  ten  years  old,  I  do  remember,  that  sometimes  I 
desired  to  go  and  sit  alone  quiet  in  some  desert  place,  where  I  might 
bemoan  myself  and  weep  in  secret,  even  until  my  heart  was  broken, 
not  knowing  wherefore;  and  did  begin  to  pray  in  fear  to  God  with  tears, 
though  I  knew  not  who  or  where  he  was,  but  had  little  to  speak,  only 
something  cried  in  me,  and  breathed,  confidently  believing  that  God 
heard  me  wherever  he  was,  and  would  pity  me  and  save  me,  at  which 
thanks  did  arise  unto  him;  not  knowing  it  was  a  seed  in  me,  which  was 
and  is  beloved  of  God,  (contrary  to  the  course  of  this  world,)  to  which 
the  blessing  and  promises  are,  that  did  arise  in  the  quiet  of  my  mind, 


8 


to  break  down  that  which  the  serpent  and  my  own  will  had  wrought 
in  my  heart  contrary  to  God,  that  thereby  I  might  enjoy  peace  in  the 
everlasting  covenant  of  light.  For  at  any  time  when  I  had  done  or 
spoken  that  which  was  contrary  to  God,  I  was  soon  checked  for  it, 
judged  and  condemned,  and  put  in  fear  by  his  witness  in  my  conscience, 
which  beheld  all  my  ways  and  words,  though  never  so  secret,  and  is 
the  same  that  Job  speaks  of,  which  set  a  print  upon  his  heels,  and 
marked  his  steps,*  in  which  light  I  can  see  all  that  ever  I  have  done, 
and  do  remember  the  first  oath  that  ever  I  swore,  (being  provoked  by 
another  lad,)  and  that  I  was  smote  with  trembling,  scarce  able  to  stand 
on  my  feet,  by  the  witness  of  God  in  my  conscience,  which  I  knew  not 
then  what  it  was,  but  could  not  have  fled  away  from  it,  being  put  in 
such  horrible  fear,  and  condemned  by  it  when  I  had  done  any  evil. 
So  there  is  no  place  at  last  where  the  worker  of  iniquity  may  hide 
himself  from  the  dreadful  presence  of  God,  as  David  saith. 

So,  [when]  about  fifteen  years  old  I  went  among  the  soldiers,  (being 
the  time  of  war,)  not  heeding  the  true  guide,  the  light  and  spirit  of 
God,  which  strived  often  with  me,  to  lead  me  in  meekness  and  fear, 
out  of  all  strife,  which  comes  from  the  lust  that  wars  against  the  soul. 
I  then  was  entered  and  became  one  among  them,  both  in  garrison 
and  army,  where  for  a  season  I  was  kept  and  preserved  out  of  much 
wickedness,  by  the  fear  of  God  in  me,  though  I  knew  not  then  where 
he  was,  nor  long  after;  yet  by  his  secret  hand  of  power,  unexpected 
and  undeserved,  was  I  preserved  when  many  were  slain  on  my  right 
hand  and  on  my  left  hand.  Glory  and  praises  to  his  power  forever  and 
ever. 

But  about  seventeen  years  old  I  was  under  the  command  of  him 
called  major-general  Massey,  where  I  found  many  wicked  and  ungodly 
men,  and  some  that  had  turned  from  Goring's  army  among  them; 
through  which  company  the  honest  principle  in  me  was  betrayed  and 
even  murdered,  and  I  began  to  be  hardened  from  the  fear  of  God;  for 
I  was  but  a  youth,  and  of  a  bashful  countenance  naturally,  and  was 
soon  checked  for  any  evil,  and  felt  the  condemnation  for  it  quickly. 
But  now  1  could  swear  and  vapour  among  them,  and  drink  till  I  was 
sometimes  drunk;  and  grew  in  it  until  I  even  took  delight  in  swearing 
and  drunkenness.  Yet  oft  times  when  I  was  gone  from  my  company 
alone  and  quiet,  fear  and  dread  from  the  witness  of  God  in  me  would 
seize  upon  me  in  great  and  horrible  terror;  and  in  the  night  in  dreams 
was  I  often  fearfully  scared,  and  tormented  with  fearful  sights  and  vi- 
sions of  hell  and  devils,  death  and  damnation,  which  indeed,  in  that 
state,  was  my  just  portion.    And  so  in  the  cool  of  the  day  I  heard  the 


♦  Job,  xiii.  27. 


voice  of  God,  and  was  afraid,  like  Adam  in  the  transgression;  and  though 
I  would  have  hid  my  sin  like  him,  yet  the  Lord  did  search  it  out. 

And  now  I  know,  "God  speaketh  unto  man  once,  yea  twice,  yet  man 
perceiveth  it  not,  in  a  dream,  in  a  vision  of  the  night,  w  hen  deep  sleep 
faUeth  upon  men,  in  slumberings  upon  the  bed,  that  he  may  withdraw 
man  from  his  purpose,  and  hide  pride  from  him."* 

And  in  this  company  I  continued  near  two  years,  until  all  was  dis- 
banded; about  which  time  I  was  so  smitten  by  God's  witness,  the  light 
in  my  conscience,  that  I  began  to  leave  off  my  swearing  and  lewdness, 
and  my  profane  company  became  even  loathsome  and  burdensome  unto 
me;  and  I  never  swore  an  oath  from  that  time  to  this  day,  which  is 
about  ten  years  ago.  So,  at  length  I  became  a  little  zealous  to  hear 
the  priests,  and  began  to  look  into  the  scriptures  to  get  them  to  talk 
of,  as  many  profane  ones  do  now,  to  make  a  covering;  and  then  thought 
I  must  be  guided  by  the  priests,  who  had  the  learning  and  the  tongues, 
which  they  call  the  original, not  knowing  then  that  their  original  began  at 
Babel,  where  God  confounded  the  languages:  and  the  people  before  were 
of  one  language  in  the  beginning,  (which  is  the  original.)  So  their  origi- 
nal is  from  Babel,  which  is  confusion,  where  they  still  are,  and  all  their 
followers,  who  will  partake  of  their  plagues,  if  they  come  not  forth  to  the 
light,  which  is  the  original,  before  Babel,  or  the  priests,  or  Latin,  Greek 
and  Hebrew  were,  which  Pilate  set  over  him  that  is  the  original,  Christ, 
the  true  prophet,  which  all  are  to  hear;  his  name  is  called  the  Word  of 
God,f  which  was  in  the  beginning.  So  poor,  ignorant,  blind  people,  that 
be  from  the  light  which  they  be  lighted  withal,  they  cry  up  Greek  and 
Hebrew,  with  the  priests,  to  be  the  original,  and  that  the  scriptures 
cannot  be  understood  without  it,  not  considering  that  they  who  had 
Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew  crucified  the  son  of  God,  who  was  in  the 
beginning,  glorified  with  the  Father  before  the  world  began,  the  origi- 
nal, by  whom  the  world  was  made,  the  power  and  wisdom  of  God;  whose 
cross  to  the  Greeks  is  foolishness,  and  to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block. 
And  the  Greeks  have  Greek,  and  the  Jews  have  Hebrew7,  as  well  as 
the  priests  and  Pilate,  which  knew  not  the  son  of  God,  the  original; 
hut  set  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew  atop  of  him,  when  they  had  cruci- 
fied him.J 

So  for  a  season,  these  merchants  of  Babylon  I  traded  with,  receiving 
and  buying  their  wares,  hoping  it  had  been  good  durable  stuff  I  had 
got  of  them,  being  it  was  prized  so  high;  and  people  cried,  they  had 
the  original,  and  could  give  the  meaning  of  the  scriptures,  and 
none  else;  and  the  beast  upheld  or  carried  the  whore,  and  all  the  w  orld 
wondered  after  them,  as  I  did  then.    At  length  something  in  me  be- 

*  Job  xxxiii.  14,  f  John  i.  1.  \  John  xix.  19,  20. 

2 


lb 


gan  to  be  more  and  more  awakened,  and  hungered  after  true  bread, 
yet  thought  I  should  be  still  fed  at  their  table,  and  did,  until  I  was  near 
starved  with  the  husks  that  the  swine  did  eat;  for  a  stirring  word  in 
me  was,  give  me  food,  or  else  I  perish;  and  went  to  hear  them  even 
with  tears  for  hunger  many  times,  until  I  perceived  they  spake  not  out 
of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  the  word  of  life,  the  true  bread  that  came 
down  from  heaven;  but  had  studied  and  patched  up  something  from 
the  scriptures  without  them,  mixing  their  meanings  and  Babylonish 
whorish  wisdom  and  serpent's  subtilty  with  it,  and  bid  us,  hear  the 
word  of  God.  And  so  we  looked  for  light,  but  behold  darkness  and 
dust  we  were  fed  with;  and  that  was  made  sad  in  me  by  them  which 
the  Lord  God  proclaimed  joy  and  liberty  to,  as  the  deceivers  and  false 
prophets  in  ages  past  did,  whom  God  was  against. 

And  upon  these  craftsmen  and  merchants  of  the  great  whore,  will 
the  perpetual  plagues  and  vengeance  of  the  Lord  God  be  poured  down 
without  mixture.  And  as  they  have  done  so  shall  it  be  done  to  them, 
and  God  will  fill  double  to  her,  and  she  shall  know  that  he  is  the  Lord 
that  searcheth  the  heart,  and  shows  unto  man  his  thoughts;  and  that 
God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  (or  mixture)  at  all.  And  the 
day  is  hastening,  in  which  they  shall  "howl  and  lament,"  for  "no  man 
buyeth  her  ware  any  more"  that  is  taught  of  the  Lord.  And  the  earth 
shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  his  power  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea.  And  in  that  day  the  thief  shall  be  ashamed,  that  hath  stole  the 
word  from  his  neighbour;  and  the  false  prophet,  which  deceived  the 
nations,  shall  be  ashamed  of  his  vision;  and  diviners  will  be  mad;  and 
the  beast  will  hate  the  whore,  and  burn  her  flesh  with  fire,  and  there 
will  be  desolation,  widowhood  and  loss  of  children  come  upon  her  in 
one  day.    He  that  readeth  let  him  understand. 

And  this  I  can  truly  say,  and  do  testify  in  the  Lord;  that  when  a  true 
hunger  and  thirst  in  me  did  arise  after  the  living  God,  it  was  often  hurt, 
darkened,  and  spoiled  by  the  earthly  wisdom,  philosophy,  and  vain  de- 
ceit which  came  out  of  the  priests'  mouth,  which  beguiled  me  of  my 
reward,  drawing  out  my  mind  from  the  pure  measure  of  God  within, 
insomuch  that  the  simple,  honest,  and  meek  principle  which  stirred  in 
me  was  weary  to  hear  them  any  longer.  And  from  no  other  ground 
did  I  at  first  deny  them,  but  as  that  of  God  in  me  discovered,  and  wit- 
nessed against  them,  as  such  as  should  never  profit  the  people  at  all, 
being  out  of  his  counsel,  not  able  to  turn  any  from  their  evil  ways, 
but  strengthening  the  hands  of  the  wicked,  and  making  the  righteous 
sad.  This  is  their  work,  as  by  their  fruits  is  made  manifest,  whose  re- 
ward shall  be  accordingly. 

So,  in  those  days  my  soul  was  awakened  by  the  witness  of  God,  feel- 
ing the  burden  of  sin,  and  was  often  afraid  of  death  and  misery  with- 


11 


out  end,  but  knew  not  how  to  get  out  from  under  the  power  of  sin  and 
death,  nor  to  escape  the  wrath  to  come,  being  ignorant  of  him  that 
saveth  from  it,  which  is  Christ,  the  power  of  God,  that  lighteth  every 
man  which  cometh  into  the  world,  which  condemns  sin  in  the  flesh. 
But  now  I  see,  that  people  perish  for  lack  of  knowledge,  and  that  the 
leaders  of  the  people  cause  them  to  err,  and  they  that  are  led  of  them 
are  destroyed.*  For  nothing  will  help  or  satisfy  the  longing  soul  im- 
mortal, but  the  eternal  true  bread  of  life,  the  power  of  God,  which 
he  giveth  to  as  many  as  receive  him,  that  condemns  for  sin,  and  destroys 
the  works  of  the  devil,  who  hath  the  power  of  death;  "for  the  sting  of 
death  is  sin."  So  he  delivers  them  from  that  which  is  the  ground  of 
bondage  and  fear  of  death,  who  believe  in  Him  that  is  the  resurrec- 
tion and  the  life,  over  whom  the  second  death  hath  no  power.  Glory 
to  the  Lord  forever  and  ever. 

So  now,  having  in  measure  begun  to  leave  the  priests,  I  kept  at  home, 
not  desiring  for  a  season  to  hear  any,  but  to  be  private  and  quiet  alone, 
which  was  a  great  cross  to  my  parents,  wife,  and  relations,  and  also  to 
something  in  me,  and  to  my  companions  and  acquaintance,  who  loved 
me  with  that  love  which  quickly  turned  to  hatred.  So  I  found  it  hard  to 
break  the  customs  that  I  had  lived  in,  and  to  become  contrary  to  all  my 
neighbours  and  acquaintance,  and  to  lose  the  love  of  them  all,  as  I  saw 
I  should,  if  I  followed  that  which  let  me  see  the  priests,  and  the  vanity 
of  the  world.  And  the  scripture  speaks  not  in  vain,  "Can  the  Ethiop- 
ian change  his  skin?"f  No  more  can  they  do  good  that  are  accus- 
tomed to  do  evil.  Hear  this  ye  careless  ones,  that  live  in  the  vanity  of 
your  minds,  pleading  for  your  customs,  vanities,  traditions,  and  fashions 
of  the  world  that  lies  in  wickedness,  and  for  the  fleshly  lusts  which 
war  against  your  own  souls;  the  Lord  God  will  plague  you  with  it,  and 
in  the  day  of  your  visitation,  that  will  become  the  greatest  torment  to 
you  in  which  you  have  most  delighted.  Then  you  shall  know  you  were 
warned  in  your  life  time. 

But  in  the  midst  of  these  my  trials  and  temptations  within  and  with- 
out, a  word  was  very  nigh  me,  even  in  my  heart,  though  I  then  knew 
not  what  it  was,  saying,  "Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  mind 
eternal  life;"  yet  not  knowing  where  to  seek  or  find  it.  But  the 
deep  consideration  of  it  did  much  strengthen  me  towards  God,  and 
sometimes  even  breathings  and  cries  would  ascend  up  from  the  prisoner 
of  hope  in  me,  and  my  heart  was  even  broken  and  melted  by  the 
power  of  the  word  of  life,  which  I  felt  therein  hammering  down 
the  hardness  thereof,  and  rending  the  veil  that  separated  me  from 
peace  with  God;  but  not  knowing  "Christ  within  the  hope  of  glory," 


•  Isa.  ix.  16. 


f  Jer.  xiii.  23. 


IS 


which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  whose  name  is 
called  "the  word  of  God,*'  "the  male  in  the  flock  which  openeth  the 
womb,  holy  to  the  Lord,'*  "the  lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world,"  (which  lies  in  wickedness.)  "the  first  and  the  last,"  "the  holy  one 
in  the  midst;"  whom  my  soul  loveth,  which  hath  been  pierced,  wound- 
ed, and  as  it  were,  slain  by  that  which  wars  against  the  young,  and  was  a 
sufferer  in  Sodom  and  Egypt,  but  now  is  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings. 
Glory  to  Him  that  sits  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  forever- 
more.  Amen. 

So  I  began  to  heed  and  love  that  in  me  which  discovered  sin  and 
vanity,  and  the  course  of  the  whole  world,  and  to  take  it  to  be  my 
companion,  (or  kinswoman,  as  Solomon  speaks  of  wisdom,)  not  knowing 
it  to  be  the  light  of  Christ  (the  wisdom  and  power  of  God)  in  my  con- 
science, in  those  days  of  ignorance.  But  I  saw  often  by  it  my  own  folly, 
and  that  the  whole  world  was  out  of  course,  (or  the  way  of  peace,)  in 
confusion  and  abomination,  without  the  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes, 
in  pride,  and  envying  one  another,  in  covetousness  and  wantonness,  dis- 
simulation and  falsehood,  every  one  for  his  own  ends  and  gain,  even 
from  the  judge  to  the  priest,  and  likewise  their  followers,  not  a  wise 
man  found  among  them,  that  feared  the  Lord,  and  departed  from  evil. 
This  I  saw,  and  was  sometimes  even  grieved  at  the  consideration  of  it, 
wishing  in  my  heart  I  had  power  to  have  helped  it  all,  being  much 
affected  with  unity  and  peace,  meekness  and  quietness,  love  and  just- 
ness amongst  men,  that  they  might  have  lived  as  children  of  one  father; 
saying  in  my  mind,  "Did  not  all  we  come  of  Adam?  and  had  we  not 
all  one  father  and  mother  in  the  beginning?  why  then  should  one  envy 
another,  and  be  high,  proud,  and  stubborn  against  another,  and  murder 
each  other  about  a  little  earth  or  vain  glory,  that  w  ill  wither,  and  hate, 
and  strive,  and  be  angry  about  religion,  and  judgment,  arid  opinion,  and 
even  fight  one  against  another  about  these  things?"  When  I  considered 
these  things  in  my  mind,  I  desired  God  (in  my  heart)  would  remedy  all 
this,  and  once  put  an  end  to  it;  for  I  even  felt  the  whole  creation  groan- 
ing in  bondage  under  these  oppressions  at  that  time;  yet  not  knowing 
that  it  was  the  light  of  Christ  in  me,  which  sometimes  checked  me  for 
sin  and  evil,  that  discovered  these  things  unto  me,  and  did  open  my 
understanding,  that  I  might  have  known  and  understood  the  things  that 
belonged  to  my  everlasting  peace.  So  that  T  can  boldly  say,  people 
are  destroyed  for  lack  of  knowledge;  and  that  "straight  is  the  gate, 
and  narrow  is  the  way,  that  leads  to  the  life,  and  few  there  be  that 
have  found  it;"  and  that  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  are  "hid  from 
the  wise  and  prudent  of  the  world,  but  revealed  to  babes,"  and  to  such 
as  can  become  fools  for  Christ's  sake,  who  is  the  light  of  the  wrorld,  the 
wisdom  and  power  of  Clod.    Glory  to  him  forever  in  the  highest,  who 


IS 


hath  brought  mc  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light,  where  I  be- 
hold his  likeness. 

Now,  in  these  days,  when  1  had  even  resolved  never  to  hear  the 
priests,  as  to  be  a  follower  of  them  any  more,  yet  being  out  of  my 
outward  employment,  and  for  fear  of  losing  all,  I,  through  persuasions 
of  the  serpent  within  and  of  others  without,  did  hear  them  again,  lest 
I  should  have  angered  them  who  had  intent  to  employ  me  and  prefer 
me;  but  I  was  terribly  judged  and  condemned  by  God's  witness  in  me, 
which  before  had  let  me  see  the  deceit  of  the  priests,  and  the  vanity 
and  error  of  their  worship  and  ways,  contrary  to  Christ  and  his  apos- 
tles, and  their  doctrine.  So  in  process  of  time  I  went  into  France 
two  small  voyages,  where,  having  time,  the  serpent  led  out  my  mind 
wholly  to  delight  in  the  art  of  arithmetic,  and  the  study  and  practice 
of  navigation,  which  I  saw  I  might  in  short  time  attain,  being  acquaint- 
ed with  numbering,  which  is  the  ground  of  many  arts;  which  things 
took  me  up  into  an  exceeding  high  mountain,  showing  glorious  promises 
of  the  preferment,  riches,  and  love  of  the  world,  and  respect  among 
men,  which  tickled  the  nature  in  me  which  went  out  from  God's  wit- 
ness, even  the  pride  of  life,  which  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  the  world, 
which  is  the  glory  of  the  ri«h  men,  great  men,  and  chief  captains, 
whose  flesh  is  to  be  given  to  the  fowls  of  heaven  in  this  the  supper  of 
the  great  God.  So,  through  the  strong  temptations  and  allurements 
of  this  flattering  harlot,  (the  wThorish  spirits,  gone  from  the  light,  of 
whose  cup  all  nations  and  kings  of  the  earth  have  drunk,)  the  honest, 
tender  principle  of  equity,  love,  and  meekness  was  even  covered,  lost, 
fand  dead  in  me,  and  the  spirit  of  the  world  I  let  in  again  like  a  flood, 
(whose  foundation  had  in  some  measure  been  shaken,  and  the  earth 
that  lay  upon  the  precious  seed  removed  by  the  power  of  God,)  and 
gross  darkness  again  covered  my  soul,  and  veiled  its  life  and  peace  from 
it,  which  formerly  it  had  felt  and  breathed  after.  So  I  can  seal  to  the 
scriptures,  "They  that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and 
into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men  in  perdition  and 
destruction;"  but  the  snare  is  broken,  and  I  am  escaped.  Glory  to  the 
living  God  forever  more.  Yet  in  that  time  I  was  in  France  I  was  so 
much  in  the  fear  of  God  kept,  by  his  pure  witness  the  light  in  my  con- 
science, which  showed  me  sin  and  evil,  that  I  dared  not  to  be  lewd  or 
drunk,  or  act  such  wickedness  as  the  tempter  would  have  led  me  to, 
not  knowing  that  it  was  the  light  of  Christ,  which  I  obeyed  then,  which 
saved  me  from  that  which  the  devil  would  have  drawn  me  into :  so  I 
can  say  with  Jacob,  "God  was  in  this  place,  and  I  knew  it  not."  There- 
fore, all  people,  come  to  him  that  tells  you  all  that  ever  you  did;  for 
if  you  knew  the  gift  of  God,  and  loved  him,  you  would  ask  of  him 
water  of  life;  but  "the  rebellious  dwell  in  a  dry  land." 


14 


But  though  I  was  preserved  out  of  these  gross  evils  outwardly,  yet 
the  love  of  the  world,  and  the  things  of  the  world,  had  a  strong  hold  in 
my  heart,  whereby  the  true  love  to  equity,  righteousness  and  mercy  was 
vanished  away,  and  the  place  of  wisdom  I  knew  not  where  to  find,  though 
I  sought  it  carefully  when  I  felt  the  loss  of  it.  But  in  a  cross  to  the 
will  of  man  and  of  flesh,  is  that  born  which  inherits  God's  kingdom  of 
peace.  For  after  awhile,  when  I  was  in  the  midst  of  my  vain  thoughts 
and  imaginations,  how  to  build  great  things  in  the  earth,  to  become 
rich,  knowing,  and  honourable  therein,  to  obtain  the  friendship  of  the 
world,  and  praise  of  men,  a  sudden  stop  like  a  cloud  came  upon  it  all, 
and  I  was  struck  with  a  still  silence  in  my  mind,  (like  Adam's  cool  of 
the  day,)  wherein  I  saw  that  I  strived  and  wearied  myself  for  very 
vanity,  that  would  perish  with  the  using,  and  that  I,  like  a  fool,  might 
leave  them  in  the  midst  of  my  days.  So,  as  I  gave  heed  to  that  which 
let  me  see  these  things  to  be  but  as  a  shadow,  and  that  it  was  folly  so 
eagerly  to  pursue  that  which  made  itself  wings,  and  thereby  to  be 
beguiled  of  an  eternal  crown  of  rest  to  my  immortal  soul,  my  former 
condition  came  fresh  into  my  remembrance,  and  I  began  to  feel  some- 
thing stir  in  me  for  life,  which  lay  in  death  and  bondage,  under  Pharaoh 
in  spiritual  Egypt,  and  as  it  were  a  cr.y  ascended  from  the  prisoner, 
groaning  afar  off  for  deliverance.  And  then  I  began  to  be  troubled  and 
condemned  in  myself,  and  my  peace  in  the  earth  was  broken,  and  the 
flaming  sword  turned  every  way  upon  it.  Then  being  afraid  of  shame, 
I  strived  with  God's  spirit  in  me,  (not  knowing  what  it  was  all  this  while, 
nor  some  time  after,)  and  would  pass  away  the  trouble  as  much  as  I 
could  sometimes,  and  even  wish  I  could  be  meek  like  others;  for  I  often 
witnessed  Solomon's  words,  "In  the  midst  of  laughter  the  heart  is  made* 
sad,"  and  was  nearer  weeping  than  mirth  many  times  in  such  company. 
So  I  had  no  rest  to  my  soul  in  those  days,  being  ignorant  of  my  teacher, 
the  true  shepherd  of  Israel,  which  gives  his  sheep  (that  follow  him) 
eternal  life,  meek  and  low  in  the  heart. 

But  now  my  soul  being  like  one  awakened  from  sleep,  and  hungry 
after  that  which  satisfieth,  I  began  again  to  seek  for  food  and  rest,  and 
to  enjoy  life  and  peace  which  changeth  not.  Then  I  thought  in  my  mind 
what  shall  I  do?  remembering  the  priests,  (which  were  discovered  by 
the  same  witness  of  God  again,)  to  be  miserable  comforters,  and  such 
as  daub  with  untempered  mortar,  (as  all  the  world  shall  witness  in  the 
day  at  hand,  when  the  wall  is  no  more,  nor  they  that  daubed  it,)  and 
physicians  of  no  value,  but  rather  robbers  and  murderers  of  the  inno- 
cent and  just  principle  in  poor  ignorant  people,  that  cries  for  deliver- 
ance. 

Then  not  knowing  what  to  do  for  life,  (being  gone  forth,  hunting 
abroad,  like  Esau  and  all  his  stock  of  priests  and  professors  in  the  world, 


15 


for  food,)  I  went  among  the  people  called  Baptists,  to  see  if  I  could 
obtain  rest  and  peace  there  among  them,  thinking,  if  they  be  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  I  had  right  to  have  fellowship  with  them,  and  to  partake 
of  their  promises  and  privileges;  for  I  often  felt  something  in  me  which 
was  beloved  of  God,  so  concluded  that  I  was  one  of  the  elect,  not  then 
knowing  and  discerning  things  that  differ,  that  it  was  a  seed  in  man, 
(which  may  be  by  him  oppressed  and  trod  under  foot,)  to  which  the 
promises  and  the  blessing  are,  and  the  elect  is  before  the  foundation 
of  the  world,  and  the  whole  world  lies  in  tvickedness.  Read  this  if 
thou  canst,  that  cryest,  the  election  [is]  of  a  particular  people,  and  the 
rest  are  left  to  themselves;  and  beware  of  the  doctrine  of  devils;  and 
remember  that  "God  is  no  respecter  of  persons,"  and  Christ,  the  true 
light,  "lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,"  in  whom  is  the 
election  and  redemption;  and  he  that  knows  not  Christ  in  him.  is  a  repro- 
bate, as  saith  the  scripture.*  So  then  I  became  a  constant  follower  of 
them,  and  at  length  was  in  that  fellowship  with  them  and  brotherhood 
which  the  natural,  carnal,  visible  water  was  the  ground  of;  for  before 
I  was  dipped  in  water  they  called  me  not  brother,  but  suddenly  after 
they  did;  yet  I  was  the  same  every  way  as  before,  no  more  bettered 
nor  satisfied  by  the  water  after  I  came  to  God's  witness  in  me,  in  the 
cool  of  the  day,  which  let  me  see  my  soul  lay  in  death,  though  the  com- 
prehending mind  had  got  a  life  and  food  in  a  profession,  in  which  I  had 
no  true  peace  when  all  was  performed  and  done  by  which  I  thought 
to  obtain.  But  it  still  fled  from  me.  as  I  turned  to  that  in  my  heart 
which  let  me  see  my  state  and  condition,  even  the  light  of  Christ,  though 
I  knew  not  then  what  it  was.  So  now  I  know  M  there  is  no  peace  to  the 
wicked."  and  that  the  wo  is  to  them  that  are  covered  with  a  covering 
and  not  with  the  pure  spirit  of  God,  which  reproves  the  world  of  sin; 
neither  should  I  ever  have  attained  it  in  that  way.  if  I  had  walked 
therein  an  hundred  years.  For  we  came  not  to  Christ,  (but  denied  him.) 
whose  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  is  the  true  bread,  which  gives  life  to 
the  world.  Neither  were  we  joined  together  in  the  unity  of  the  faith 
of  the  Lord  of  glory,  which  is  without  respect,  of  persons,  and  is  a  mys- 
tery held  in  a  pure  conscience,  giving  victory  over  the  world,  being  all 
from  the  light  which  we  were  lighted  withal,  that  is  to  give  people  the 
knowledge  of  God,  in  which  the  saints'  inheritance  and  fellowship  are. 

But  we  were  building  a  tower  (hoping  the  top  would  have  reached 
to  heaven)  in  our  imaginations,  like  the  confounded  builders  of  old,  like 
Nimrod's  stock,  the  beginning  of  whose  kingdom  was  Babel,  that  hunt- 
ed before  the  Lord,  who  is  that  spirit  which  will  confound  all  your  wis- 
dom, who  build  without  his  light,  the  corner  stone,  the  sure  foundation. 


•  2  Cor.  xiii.  5. 


16 


Though  you  may  say  "  Lord,  Lord,"  this  avails  not;  while  ye  are  work- 
ers of  iniquity  you  are  shut  out.  So  we  were  professing  and  talking 
of  the  truth,  (which  makes  free,)  Christ,  the  light,  the  way  to  the 
Father ;  but  we  were  in  bondage,  darkness,  and  falsehood,  in  the  broad 
way,  wherein  many  hypocrites,  deceitful  workers,  envious,  proud,  and 
covetous  may  walk,  keeping  their  covering  of  their  profession,  and 
talking  of  him  that  leads  to  life,  out  of  death,  darkness,  and  all  un- 
righteousness, in  which  you  hold  the  truth  of  God,  his  witness,  the  light 
that  you  be  lighted  withal,  which  lets  you  see  you  have  not  the  true 
bread  of  life,  that  gives  peace,  rest,  and  satisfaction  to  the  soul,  but  feed 
on  the  husk.  Notwithstanding  your  great  noise  of  him  that  is  the  sub- 
stance of  all,  which  ends  the  shadows,  ye  expect  his  kingdom,  and  glory, 
and  reign  without  you.  O  ye  fools  and  blind!  is  not  the  kingdom  of 
God  within  you?  and  is  not  the  king's  daughter  all  glorious  within?  and 
did  not  the  king  say;  "Go  not  forth;  when  they  shall  say,  Lo  here, 
and  lo  there,  believe  them  not?" 

But  in  this  state  I  was  once  with  you,  until  the  son  of  God  opened 
his  eyes  that  was  born  blind,  whom  the  Pharisees  cast  out,  as  they  have 
many  in  this  age,  that  tremble  at  the  word  of  the  Lord;  but  the  Lord 
God  of  power  hath  appeared  to  their  joy,  and  you  shall  be  ashamed, 
though  you  may  say,  the  Lord  be  glorified;  in  whose  eternal  light  I  then 
saw,  that  in  this  profession  without  life  I  was  never  like  to  have  peace 
to  that  which  was  awakened  in  me,  breathing  for  the  pure,  righteous 
power  of  the  living  God,  which  all  men  had  been  erred  and  estranged 
from  by  transgression,  the  middle  wall  that  separates,  which  by  the 
higher  power  is  broken  down,  where  the  salvation  is  wrought  out  with 
fear  and  trembling;  which  the  professor  denies,  casting  out  such  as 
tremble  at  the  word,  which  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of 
the  heart.  And  the  time  is  come,  that  they  cannot  endure  sound  doc- 
trine. This  is  to  you  all,  priests,  baptists,  and  people,  that  be  from  the 
light  which  you  be  lighted  withal,  that  lets  you  see  your  ungodly  deeds 
and  hard  speeches.  What  shall  I  say  more  of  you?  Why,  you  pass 
over  judgment,  and  so  the  love  of  God  you  know  not.  This  is  from  the 
Lord  God  to  you,  as  ye  shall  witness  on  your  death-bed. 

So  after  a  season,  in  this  my  breathing  and  longing  condition,  in  which 
I  desired,  that  God  would  make  an  alteration  and  change  among  us, 
(being  in  all  we  performed  dead  to  the  pure,  simple  life  of  God,  for 
which  my  soul  thirsted,)  it  happened  that  I  heard  a  book  read  of  the 
sufferings  of  some  of  the  people  of  God,  who  were  called  Quakers,  in 
a  dungeon  at  Suesham,  whose  name  and  sufferings  were  strange  to  me 
at  that  time;  yet,  at  the  hearing  of  it,  something  in  me  did  arise,  with 
much  tenderness  and  pity  toward  the  innocent  sulFering  people,  which 
drew  tears  from  mine  eyes,  believing  they  did  suffer  for  conscience  sake; 


17 


and  the  same  thing  in  me  even  said,  that  God  would  avenge  them  on 
the  bloody  persecutors — which  hath  been  performed  by  his  mighty  hand 
of  power  on  some  of  them,  even  to  the  cutting  them  off  the  earth  as 
briars  and  thorns  for  the  fire — but  did  not  know  all  this  time  what  it 
was  that  let  me  see  these  things,  and  knew  not  light  from  darkness,  as 
is  the  state  of  thousands,  who  profess  Christ,  as  I  did,  in  words;  who 
lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  and  leads  his  sheep  out 
of  darkness  into  the  fold  of  eternal  life  and  peace,  from  which  the  wise 
and  prudent,  with  all  their  knowledge,  comprehension,  and  imagina- 
tions, are  shut  out  forever. 

Then  I  heard  Jacob  Behmen's  books,  and  began  to  read  much  in 
them,  and  to  gather  something  of  that  into  my  comprehension  and  ima- 
ginations in  the  brain;  but  this  and  all  the  other  gave  not  peace  and 
rest  to  the  immortal  soul,  which  still  lay  in  death  and  bondage  by  rea- 
son of  transgression  and  sin. 

But  not  long  after  came  one,  a  minister  of  the  word  of  life,  (whose 
name  few  know,)  and  preached  to  the  spirit  in  prison,  which  rejoiced 
much  at  the  sound  of  his  words,  to  which  I  gave  diligent  heed,  and  was 
eternally  convinced  that  it  was  the  very  truth  he  declared,  and  that 
there  is  no  other  way  to  know  God,  or  to  be  saved,  but  as  I  walked  in 
the  light  which  I  was  lighted  withal,  which  did  let  me  see  all  my  un- 
godly deeds  and  hard  speeches,  that  ever  I  had  committed ;  which  light 
comes  from  Christ,  the  saviour,  and  leads  all  that  follow  it  out  of  the 
evil  that  is  in  the  world,  unto  him  that  was  before  the  world  was,  by 
whom  it  was  made,  glorified  with  the  Father,  the  substance  of  all  the 
types,  figures,  shadows,  ordinances,  of  wnich  might  be  spoken  many 
things;  but  he  is  the  sum,  that  redeems  man  by  his  blood,  (the  life,) 
out  of  the  earth,  into  which  man  was  driven  in  transgression,  up  unto 
God  again,  before  transgression  was,  to  the  beginning  and  the  end. 

So,  as  to  the  true  light  in  my  heart  my  mind  was  turned,  many  scrip- 
tures came  fresh  unto  me,  confirming  the  truth  of  which  he  spoke;  and 
the  power  of  the  word,  in  my  heart,  of  God,  which  the  light  comes  from, 
began  to  stir  and  work,  and  condemnation  was  administered  upon  all 
my  former  profession;  and  a  sword  was  coming  upon  the  earth,  which 
had  sat  still  in  peace;  and  open  war  was  proclaimed  against  the  beast, 
whore,  and  false  prophet,  by  the  lamb  that  was  slain,  whose  sword 
came  out  of  his  mouth;  and  the  prisoner  of  hope  rejoiced  at  the  begin- 
ning of  this  day  of  vengeance,  believing  the  year  of  redemption  was 
come.  So  that  there  was  a  change  begun,  and  that  which  seemed 
strange  to  me  was  happened,  which  was  quickly  perceived  by  the  Bap- 
tists, who  were  then  my  companions  in  profession,  but  not  in  tribula- 
tion; for  I  was  made  to  weep  and  lament,  seeing  all  the  religion  in  the 
world  to  be  but  as  a  fading  leaf,  without  the  pure  life  and  power  of 

3 


18 


God,  which  saveth  from  sin,  and  brings  into  unity  with  him;  so  that  I 
could  no  longer  be  satisfied,  nor  live  in  a  talk  of  God  and  Christ,  and  not 
enjoy  the  eternal  rest,  even  the  sincere  milk  of  the  immortal  word  of 
life,  which  my  soul  breathed  after,  even  from  a  child,  though  I  knew 
not  what  it  was,  nor  where  to  find  it.  But  in  this  my  troubled  condi- 
tion many  Baptists  followed  day  and  night  to  persuade  me  out  of  it, 
looking  upon  me  to  be  deluded,  and  some  with  prayers,  and  some  with 
flatteries,  and  others  of  them  with  envious  words  strived  to  get  me  back 
to  them,  telling  me,  that  I  was  fallen  from  grace,  and  was  become  un- 
der the  law,  and  making  the  blood  of  Christ  of  none  effect.  But  I  not 
knowing  then  the  blood  to  be  the  life,  and  that  the  life  is  the  light  of 
men,  though  I  was  convinced  in  my  conscience  of  the  eternal  truth, 
yet  my  understanding  God  was  confounding,  and  the  day  of  the  Lord 
was  darkness  and  not  light  to  that  part  which  had  held  the  truth  in 
unrighteousness,  as  they  shall  all  one  day  witness,  where  their  covering 
is  rent  off  them,  and  their  inside  made  more  manifest,  who,  by  their 
many  tattling  words,  drew  out  my  mind  from  God's  witness  in  me,  and 
from  the  law  written  in  the  heart,  to  which  I  should  have  kept  and 
been  faithful,  even  the  sure  word  of  prophecy,  which  let  me  see  all 
that  ever  I  did;  for  Moses  was  faithful  as  a  servant  in  all  his  house. 
But  this  mystery  I  knew  not  then ;  and  so  to  get  ease,  turned  out  my 
mind  from  the  truth,  which  is  required  in  the  inward  parts,  and  gave 
heed  to  seducing  spirits,  and  words  which  darkened  counsel,  insomuch 
that  I  joined  again  with  them  in  more  zeal  than  before,  and  encouraged 
others  to  follow  their  strong  imaginations  from  the  letter  of  scripture, 
looking  for  a  saviour  without  us,  though  the  scripture  saith,  "Christ 
within,  the  hope  of  Glory;"  and  "Know  ye  not  that  Christ  is  in  you, 
except  ye  be  reprobates?"  &c.  and  for  his  coming  without  us,  though 
he  said  "When  they  shall  say,  lo  here,  and  lo  there,  believe  them  not," 
and  "Go  not  forth;"  and  for  his  kingdom  and  glory  without  us,  though 
the  king's  daughter  is  ail  glorious  within,  and  the  king  said,  "The  king- 
dom of  God  is  within  you;"  and  for  his  resurrection  and  life  and  reign 
without  us,  whereas  the  king  said,  "I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life," 
and  "am  come  a  light  into  the  world,"  (who  lighteth  every  man  that 
cometh  into  the  world.)  These  things  we  imagined  and  builded  one 
another  up  in,  contrary  to  the  scripture,  and  to  the  saints,  which  build- 
ed up  in  that  which  is  a  mystery  held  in  a  pure  conscience.  So  we  passed 
over  judgment,  (like  the  Pharisees  and  hypocrites  of  old,  which  did 
profess  and  say,  but  did  not,)  climbing  up  an  easier  way  than  by  the 
door,  Christ,  who  "condemns  sin  in  the  flesh,"  like  the  thief  that  had 
stolen  a  covering,  even  words  from  the  neighbour.  But  after  a  season, 
these  things  came  heavy  upon  me,  and  were  harder  to  be  judged  out 
and  destroyed  than  all  the  other  wickedness  and  iniquity  that  ever  I 


19 

committed;  for  when  I,  being  unsatisfied,  came  from  the  Baptists  again, 
(having  suffered  persecution  for  the  name  of  Christ,)  resolved  with  pur- 
pose of  heart  to  wait  on  the  Lord,  whatever  became  of  all  the  world, 
their  glory,  profession,  or  enmity;  for  a  word  was  powerful  in  me, 
"  Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,"  to  which  I  gave  heed,  and  turned  my 
mind  again  to  the  light,  which  had  checked  me  for  sin  from  my  child- 
hood, which  Christ  had  enlightened  me  withal;  and  the  power  of  God 
was  manifested,  and  his  dreadful  judgments  fell  on  the  whore,  which 
went  out  from  the  life  into  a  profession;  and  plagues,  and  famine,  and 
earthquakes,  and  thunders,  war  and  tremblings,  sighing,  mourning, 
weeping,  and  fasting,  and  great  astonishments  came  upon  that  ground 
in  me  which  before  professed  the  scriptures.  And  all  that  ever  I  had 
acted  or  spoken  out  of  the  light,  was  judged,  cursed,  and  condemned, 
whether  eating  or  forbearing,  or  drinking  or  forbearing,  lying  down  or 
rising  up,  sleeping  or  waking,  going  out  or  coming  in,  all  was  judged 
and  condemned,  until  the  meek  came  to  ride  king  upon  the  foal  of  an 
ass,  and  Sion  redeemed  with  judgment,  which  came  to  pass  as  obe- 
dience was  yielded  to  the  higher  power,  who,  with  his  mighty  and 
piercing  sword,  wounded  leviathan,  and  slew  the  dragon  that  was  in 
the  sea,  and  the  great  whore  was  plagued,  (the  beast  and  false  prophet 
together,)  of  whose  cup  of  fornication  all  nations  and  kings  of  the 
earth  have  drunk,  who  must  drink  freely,  as  I  have  done,  of  the  cup 
of  the  wine  of  the  fierceness  of  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty, 
or  else  shall  never  know  rest  and  peace  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

For  Cain,  the  first  birth,  the  envious  one,  the  murderer,  is  vagabond 
from  God;  and  Ishmael,  the  wild  man,  the  mocker,  is  cast  out;  and 
Esau,  the  cunning  hunter,  is  rejected;  the  profane  person,  and  all  proud 
Haman's  stock,  and  Nabal's  race;  these  must  have  their  part  in  the 
lake  of  torment.  For  dreadful  plagues  and  vengeance  is  coming  upon 
all  the  world's  ways,  from  the  terrible  God  of  power,  who  is  now  come 
to  reign  in  righteousness.  Therefore,  wo  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  all  ye  proud,  wanton,  envious,  covetous,  and  deceitful  ones,  and 
all  hypocrites  and  ungodly  ones,  torment,  howling,  wrath,  and  per- 
petual misery,  with  lamentation  forever  is  your  portion,  except  you 
speedily  repent. 

Therefore,  all  people  upon  earth,  turn  your  minds  to  the  light, 
wherewith  you  are  enlightened  by  Christ  Jesus,  the  saviour,  which 
lets  you  see  sin  and  evil,  lest  you  be  by  him  turned  into  everlasting 
misery  and  utter  darkness,  where  will  be  no  end  of  your  sorrow  and 
pain.  And  repent,  and  prize  your  time,  and  stop  not  the  ear,  nor  close 
the  eye  against  that  in  you  which  rises  for  deliverance,  and  is  sad  in 
the  midst  of  your  vain  mirth,  which  cannot  be  satisfied  with  any  thing 
of  this  world.  But  heed  that  which  showeth  you  the  evil  of  the  world; 


20 

• 

for  that  leadeth  out  of  it,  and  all  its  ways,  worships,  fashions,  and  tra- 
ditions, which  are  vain  and  fading,  up  to  Christ,  who  is  not  of  the  world, 
by  whom  it  was  made,  who  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the 
world,  the  salvation  of  all  that  obey  him.  And  this  is  he  who  hath 
led  me  out  of  the  world,  through  great  tribulations,  unto  the  good  land 
of  rest.  Glory  to  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb 
forever  and  ever,  whose  power  once  killed,  but  now  makes  alive,  and 
having  slain  the  enmity  by  the  blood  of  his  cross,  whose  own  arm  hath 
brought  salvation.  Glory  and  everlasting  praises  unto  the  Lord  God 
omnipotent,  who  hath  given  power  and  strength,  wisdom,  dominion,  and 
eternal  blessing  to  the  Lamb  slain,  wrho  was  once  in  Sodom  and  Egypt 
crucified  spiritually,  but  now  his  life  the  grave  cannot  hold,  but  hath 
risen,  triumphing  over  the  principalities  and  powers  of  the  world,  by 
whose  power  the  horse  and  his  rider  are  cast  into  the  sea,  and  now 
reigns  in  righteousness,  and  in  it  doth  judge  and  make  war,  being  Lord 
of  lords  and  King  of  kings,  whose  name  is  called  "  The  Word  of  God," 
from  whence  the  true  light  comes,  which  lighteth  every  man  that 
cometh  into  the  world.  Everlasting  praises  and  glory  to  his  powerful 
name  in  the  highest.  Amen. 

This  is  given  forth  in  true  love  to  the  yet  scattered  of  the  flock, 
whom  my  soul  desires  may  come  to  know  the  rest  at  noon  in  the  life 
of  the  Son  of  righteousness,  by 

William  Bayly. 


A  WARNING 

FROM  THE 

UNTO  ALL  PERSECUTORS  AND  ENEMIES  OF  THE  DEAR  CHILDREN  OF  GOD, 

WHO  FOLLOW  THE  LAMB,  A.VD  ARE  THE  MEEK  OF  THE  EARTH. 

And  a  plain  information  and  direction  for  the  ignorant,  who  know  not 
the  way  of  God,  nor  the  voice  of  his  true  prophet,  who  is  the  light  and 
life  of  men.  With  a  Tender  Visitation  of  God's  Truth  to  the  Inhabit- 
ants and  County  of  Pool.  And  a  call  and  Warning  of  Love  unto  the 
People  called  Anabaptists.  With  some  Queries,  to  be  answered  with 
God's  Witness  in  the  Professors  of  the  Scriptures,  who  have  denied  the 
Light  and  Life  that  gave  them  forth.  Also,  a  Terrible  Word  to  such 
as  live  in  Rioting  and  Drunkenness,  and  Unclean  Practices.  With  a 
True  Voice  and  Revelation  of  God  unto  all  the  Sons  and  Daughters  of 
the  Fallen  Adam. 


— y 

BY  WILLIAM  BAYLY. 


Blessed  are  ye  when  men  men  shall  revile  you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against 
you  falsely  for  my  sake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad ;  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven ;  for  so  persecuted 
they  the  prophets,  that  were  before  you.— Matt.  v.  1J,  12. 

For  the  time  is  come,  that  judgment  must  begin  at  the  house  pf  God  ;  and  if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved, 
where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear?—!  Pet.  iv.  18. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

MARCUS  T.  CX  GOULD,  No.  6,  NORTH  EIGHTH  STREET. 

NEW  YORK. 

ISAAC  T.  HOPPER,  No.  420,  PEARL  STREET 


1830 


preface; 


The  Lord  at  several  times  hath  moved  me,  in  his  mighty  power 
and  bowels  of  compassion  unto  their  souls,  to  warn  and  exhort  the  in- 
habitants of  the  town  of  Pool,  when  assembled  together,  both  in  their 
steeple-house  and  private  meetings;  seeing  in  the  eternal  light  their 
miserable  estate  and  blindness,  (which  is  the  condition  also  of  the  whole 
world,  that  lieth  in  wickedness,)  whose  message  they  resisted,  and  much 
endeavoured  to  hinder,  both  by  haling  me  out  before  I  had  spoken  what 
thei.ord  moved  me  to  declare  unto  them,  both  in  their  public  and  pri- 
vate meetings;  and  also  by  setting  a  watch  to  keep  the  steeple-house 
doors  against  me,  which  some  were  bound  unto  in  a  sum  of  money,  for 
a  certain  time,  to  keep  me  out  of  their  meetings,  as  the  Sheriff  who 
was  one  of  them,  told  me  with  his  own  mouth;  to  whom  I  answered, 
let  thy  money  perish  with  thee,  who  thinkest  to  stop  or  limit  the  spirit 
of  the  living  God;  and  let  all  such  forever  take  heed  of  withstanding 
his  powerful  work,  (by  bringing  heavy  burdens  upon  his  servants,)  who 
will  work  to  your  eternal  condemnation,  except  you  repent,  who  are 
settled  on  your  lees,  and  are  willing  to  go  in  that  way,  and  keep  that 
peace,  whose  end  will  be  everlasting  war  and  destruction. 

And  I  also  was  kept  out  some  time  from  their  meeting,  who  were 
also  afraid  of  the  light  that  manifests  the  hidden  things  of  darkness, 
and  made  that  their  refuse  to  hide  themselves  from  the  truth,  even 
those  people  who  are  called  Baptists,  with  whom,  for  a  season,  I  had 
my  conversation;  who  also  by  John  King,  one  of  their  teachers,  bemg- 
filled  with  envy,  in  the  sight  of  many  witnesses,  on  the  day  of  their 
humiliation,  was,  with  his  violent  hands,  thrown  down  on  the  ground 
twice,  after  he  had  haled  me  out  of  their  meeting,  who  had  in  deceit 
combined  together,  with  their  long  prayers,  to  hinder  truth  from  being 
declared  amongst  them;  at  which  time  I  was  moved  of  the  Lord  to 
declare  against  their  feigned  humility,  deceit,  and  hypocrisy. 

And  another  time,  when  I  was  in  my  chamber,  and  waiting  in  the 
eternal  power  of  God,  in  which  the  soul's  salvation  is  wrought  out  with 
fear  and  trembling,  the  same  John  King,  in  my  presence  and  many 
more,  said  I  was  a  slave  and  vassal  of  satan.  And  at  the  same  time, 
Thomas  Collier,  a  chief  preacher  amongst  them,  said  that  I  was  going 
about  to  ruinate  myself  and  others,  by  giving  myself  up  to  the  power 


24 


of  the  devil;  who  said  also,  it  was  just  with  God  with  all  such;  and  re- 
proved me  for  being  sad  and  sorrowful,  in  that  light  spirit  of  joy  which 
must  lie  down  in  sorrow.  So  this  showeth  their  ignorance  of,  and  ex- 
altation above,  the  man  of  sorrows,  who  know  not  the  house  of  mourn- 
ing, wherein  is  the  heart  of  the  wise;  nor  the  sadness  of  the  countenance, 
where  the  heart  is  made  better;  nor  the  presence  of  God  and  his  voice 
that  shaketh  the  earth,  and  maketh  the  mountains  to  tremble,  whose 
eyes  are  blinded,  and  foolish  heart  darkened,  not  knowing  the  light, 
life,  and  power  of  Christ,  for  whose  sake  self  is  to  be  denied,  abhorred, 
and  ruinated.  The  which  words  and  actions  of  theirs,  and  also  their 
resistings  and  rebellings  against  the  message  of  eternal  truth  and  sal- 
vation, were  enough  to  leave  them  without  excuse,  and  to  justify  God 
in  the  day  of  visitation,  if  he  should  have  destroyed  them  forever.  Yet 
notwithstanding  all  this  their  rebellion,  hath  the  Lord  in  mercy  laid  it 
upon  me,  whether  they  will  hear  or  forbear,  to  write  a  few  words,  even 
in  tender  compassion,  with  bowels  and  tears  of  love,  to  their  capthjated 
souls,  if  happily  they  might  return  unto  him  that  often  smiteth  them, 
before  the  things  of  the  eternal  peace  be  hid  from  their  eyes;  wherein 
I  have  cleared  my  conscience  in  this  thing,  and  the  righteous  God,  of 
their  blood,  which  will  come  only  upon  the  heads  of  the  rebellious. 


W.  B. 


A  WARNING 

FROM  THE 

SPIRIT  OF  TRUTH 

TO 

ALL  PERSECUTORS. 


Go  to  now,  ye  high  and  lofty,  rich  and  proud  men  and  women, 
weep  and  howl  for  the  miseries  that  shall  come  upon  you;  your  gar- 
ments are  moth-eaten,  and  your  gold  and  silver  are  cankered,  and 
the  rust  of  them  shall  be  a  witness  against  you,  and  shall  eat  your  flesh 
as  it  were  fire.  O  ye  whose  feet  are  swift  to  shed  innocent  blood!  do 
ye  not  heap  up  to  yourselves  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and  revela- 
tion of  the  righteous  judgments  of  God?  O  Cain!  thou  hast  risen  up 
against  thy  brother  and  slain  him;  but  his  blood  crieth  from  the  ground, 
and  the  cry  of  it  is  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  God  of  sabbaths. 
O  thou  envious  and  wrathful  one!  thy  punishment  will  be  greater  than 
thou  canst  bear.  O  thou  beast  and  false  prophet!  you  are  both  to  be 
cast  alive  into  the  lake  that  burns  with  fire  and  brimstone,  and  to  be 
tormented,  day  and  night,  forever  and  ever.  O  ye  mountains  of  prey ! 
you  shall  be  laid  low,  even  to  the  dust  of  the  ground;  for  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord  God  hath  spoken  it. 

Blow  ye  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  sound  an  alarm  in  my  holy  mountain, 
let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  tremble,  saith  the  Lord  God.  O 
eternal  Father  of  light  and  glory!  rebuke  the  sea  and  the  company  of 
spear  men,  with  the  bulls  and  calves  of  the  people;  and  let  them  know 
they  are  but  men! 

O  Cain!  thou  art  still  a  vagabond  from  God,  with  all  thy  sacrifices; 
thy  rage  is  the  rage  of  the  heathen  that  know  not  God.  Consider  this, 
all  ye  rash  and  wrathful  people !  and  be  you  warned  ye  envious  ones, 
who  are  of  proud  Haman's  stock,  and  repent  ye  stiff  necked  and  adul- 
terous generation!  for  the  judgments  of  the  eternal,  righteous  God,  and 
plagues,  are  coming  upon  Pharaoh,  and  all  the  host  of  the  Egyptians ; 
and  none  of  your  liars  nor  enchanters,  who  have  bewitched  you  for 
money,  shall  be  able  to  deliver  you  nor  themselves  from  the  power 

4 


20 


thereof.  Therefore,  knowing  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  God  against  all 
ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men,  am  I  moved  to  warn  and  ex- 
hort you  all,  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Lord  God  of  hosts,  to  break 
off  your  high  and  grievous  sins  and  iniquities,  by  turning  and  taking 
heed  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  son  of  the  living  God,  which,  in 
your  consciences,  manifesteth  your  ungodly  deeds  and  hard  speeches, 
that  from  the  cursed  ground  in  you  proceedeth,  whose  root  and  branch 
is  to  be  overturned  and  cut  down,  and  fruit  to  be  burned,  in  whom  the 
hard  stony  heart,  and  rash,  high  and  proud  spirit  beareth  rule,  which 
never  yet  knew  the  sacrifice  of  God  in  the  broken  heart,  but  in  that 
ground  which  lusteth  to  envy,  pride  and  all  unrighteousness,  have  you 
been  long  sacrificing.  But  it  is  no  more  accepted  with  God  than  Cain's 
was,  which  cometh  from  the  envious,  hypocritical  ground  in  you,  which 
is  cursed  and  abominable  unto  God;  for  that  is  the  first  birth  and  child 
of  darkness,  conceived  in  the  transgression,  and  brought  forth  in  the 
deceived  nature  by  the  subtle  serpent,  which  is  both  earthly,  proud, 
and  envious,  and  is  driven  and  separated  from  the  presence  of  God,  of 
whom  the  sacrifice  and  offering  of  the  second  birth,  (Abel,)  born  after 
the  spirit  out  of  the  transgression  and  sin,  (his  sacrifice  only)  is  accept- 
ed, who  is  born  out  of  the  transgression;  against  whose  appearance  he 
that  is  born  after  the  flesh,  at  whose  door  sin  lieth,  is  envious  and  wroth, 
and  stirreth  up  the  powers  of  its  darkness  to  persecution. 

Therefore,  all  you  proud,  high,  and  lofty  ones,  who  are  in  the  wild 
and  subtle  nature  of  the  crooked  serpent,  who  is  cursed  above  every 
beast  of  the  field,  whose  enmity  is  against  the  seed  of  the  promise,  who 
are  like  wolves  to  bite  and  devour,  and  like  fed  horses,  trampling  under 
foot  the  innocent  and  simple  lambs,  whom  God's  dear  love  is  with,  and 
he  will  plead  their  cause  in  righteousness,  and  will  vex  you  all  in  his 
sore  displeasure,  with  his  fierce  and  terrible  judgments.  Therefore, 
cease  from  envy  and  anger,  and  forsake  wrath,  and  be  you  not  like 
the  dragon  ready  to  devour  the  man-child  as  soon  as  it  is  born,  and 
cast  out  your  floods  of  reproach,  slander,  and  persecution  against  the 
woman  that  brings  it  forth,  lest  the  wrath  and  fury  of  the  Almighty 
God  suddenly  break  forth  against  you  like  fire.  For  a  fire  shall  be  kindled 
in  the  bowels  of  all  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  God,  and  the  man-child 
shall  be  brought  forth  to  reign  over  the  world,  and  shall  rule  the  nations 
with  a  rod  of  iron.  And  he  will  dash  his  enemies  in  pieces,  like  a  potter's 
vessel,  and  his  dread  and  torment  shall  follow  them,  and  his  righteous 
judgments  on  you  all  will  take  hold,  who  hate  the  light  which  he  hath 
lighted  you  withal,  which  is  God's  faithful  witness,  who  is  now  risen  in 
many,  and  making  war  in  righteousness  against  the  whore,  the  beast, 
and  the  false  prophet.  And  he  will  give  them  blood  to  drink;  yea,  a 
cup  of  trembling  and  astonishment  of  heart  is  the  Lord  God  pouring 


27 


forth  unto  all  his  enemies,  and  is  breaking  down  their  high  and  fenced 
cities  of  hope  and  refuge.  Therefore  in  vain  do  all  the  potsherds  of 
the  earth  strive  against  their  Maker,  who  is  light  and  life  eternal;  for 
let  briars,  and  thorns,  and  thistles,  be  set  in  battle  against  him,  he  will 
burn  and  consume  them  altogther:  for  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire,  and 
his  presence  is  exceeding  dreadful  unto  all  the  ungodly,  in  the  day 
when  he  doth  visit  them  in  his  hot  indignation;  yea,  heavy  plagues  and 
judgments  will  the  Lord  God  pour  down  upon  the  rebellious,  to  whom 
also  he  hath  given  gifts,  that  he  might  have  dwelt  in  and  among  them: 
but  they  refuse  and  despise  his  reproofs  and  instruction,  who  is  the 
condemner  of  all  unrighteousness;  therefore  will  he  laugh  at  your 
calamity,  and  mock  whe  1  your  fear  cometh.    For  there  is  a  time  of 

fear,  and  dreadfulness,  .id  astonishment,  and  miserable  torments  to 

come  upon  all  you  who  will  not  receive  the  reproof  of  life,  nor  counsel 
of  God.  Though  for  a  small  season  you  may  sit  as  a  queen  in  the  glory, 
honour,  and  friendship  of  this  present  evil  world,  and  think  in  your 
hearts,  you  shall  never  see  any  sorrow;  but  this  I  testify  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  God  of  truth,  that  desolation,  widowhood,  and  loss  of  children 
with  bitter  lamentation  shall  come  upon  you  in  one  day,  and  none  shall 
be  able  to  comfort  you;  and  all  your  glory  and  honour,  fame,  and  friend- 
ship shall  rot,  and  leave  you  as  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  in  confusion, 
torment,  and  utter  darkness  for  ever. 

Therefore  all  you  lofty,  proud,  and  scornful  men,  and  blood-thirsty 
rulers,  and  persecutors,  fear  and  tremble  before  the  Lord  God  Almighty, 
who  is  risen  in  his  great  and  mighty  power,  to  judge  the  whore,  the 
beast,  and  the  false  prophet,  and  to  confound  and  overturn  them  for- 
ever !  And  think  not  to  hide  yourselves  under  a  covering  of  deceit, 
and  in  a  refuge  of  falsehood;  for  the  wrath  and  vengeance  of  the  Al- 
mighty God  is  overflowing  your  hiding  places,  and  by  the  stroke  of  his 
mighty  power  is  he  beating  down  the  refuge  of  lies,  and  all  the  liars 
and  envious  ones  he  is  turning  into  the  lake  of  torment  forever.  And 
though  you  join  hand  in  hand  in  your  enterprises,  unrighteous  decrees, 
plottings,  traps,  and  subtle  snares,  yet  you  shall  never  prosper,  nor  pre- 
vail against  the  lamb  and  his  followers,  who  are  clothed  with  righteous- 
ness as  a  garment,  and  with  zeal  as  a  cloak,  and  in  innocency  their 
life  is  hid  from  all  the  ungodly  and  cruel  oppressors:  for  they  are  in  the 
covenant  of  God,  which  is  light  and  life  immortal,  who  by  you  a  re- 
bellious people,  are  trodden  and  trampled  under  foot  as  the  dung  of 
the  streets:  and  the  precious  sons  and  daughters  of  Zion,  comparable  to 
fine  gold,  are  by  you  esteemed  as  earthen  pitchers,  and  the  off-scouring 
ol  all  things,  and  are  counted  as  the  vilest  of  men  and  creatures  upon 
the  earth.  O  Lord  God!  how  are  thy  dear  children  hid  from  the  proud, 
wise,  and  prudent  of  the  world!  but  thou  wilt  manifest  them  to  be  thy 


28 


precious  lambs,  in  this  thy  day  of  power  and  great  glory,  which  thou 
wilt  arm  and  adorn  thy  children  with,  in  the  sight  of  all  the  heathen. 

O  ye  children  and  servants  of  the  most  high  God  of  truth!  be  valiant 
for  the  Lord  of  Glory,  from  whose  presence  Cain  is  banished,  and  whom 
the  heathen,  that  rage,  know  not;  and  without  are  dogs  and  all  liars. 
Be  joyful  in  glory,  all  ye  that  follow  after  righteousness  and  seek  meek- 
ness! you  shall  be  hid  in  the  day  of  the  Lord's  anger,  and  triumph  over 
the  beast,  (though  decked  with  scarlet,)  and  the  false  prophet  that 
teacheth  lies ;  for  the  Lord  God  of  life  is  exalting  his  son  who  is  meek 
and  lowly  in  the  heart,  and  throwing  them  down  among  the  swine,  that 
perish  in  the  deep. 

Therefore  rejoice  ye  saints,  children,  and  holy  servants  of  the  most 
high  God !  praise  his  name  forever,  ye  that  are  the  temple  of  the  God 
of  heaven,  whose  bright  glory  and  splendour  of  light  makes  the  moun- 
tains to  tremble — at  whose  scorching  heat  and  burning  fire  the  hills 
melt,  and  the  whole  earth  is  moved  at  his  presence,  whose  voice  is  like 
storms  of  hail,  and  shouts  of  terrible  thunder  to  the  ungodly. 

Therefore  be  ye  horribly  afraid,  ye  heathen,  and  be  ye  wonderfully 
astonished,  ye  high  and  mighty  of  the  earth!  for,  at  his  presence,  your 
foundations  will  be  shaken  as  a  leaf,  and  your  strongest  hold  as  a  roll- 
ing thing  upon  the  mountains,  driven  with  a  fierce  and  mighty  wind ! 

Therefore  fear  God,  and  give  glory  unto  him  that  made  heaven  and 
earth;  and  seek  not  glory  and  honour  to  yourselves,  for  you  are  but  as 
grass-hoppers  in  his  sight,  and  with  his  hand  he  can  touch  your  life, 
and  you  are  gone  forevermore !  Think  on  this,  and  tremble  for  fear 
of  his  judgments,  in  whose  hand  is  your  life  every  moment;  and  he  be- 
holdeth  all  your  thoughts  and  out-goings;  for  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
in  every  place,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good.  The  light  is  the  eye, 
to  which  you  are  to  be  turned,  which  shineth  in  your  consciences,  and 
letteth  you  see  all  that  ever  you  have  acted,  and  proudly  spoken,  against 
him  and  his  anointed  ones. 

To  which  light  if  you  take  heed,  and  love  and  obey  it,  and  own  your 
condemnation  because  of  transgression,  it  will  lead  you  to  Christ  Jesus, 
from  whence  it  comes,  who  is  the  salvation  of  Israel.  But  if  you  slight 
this  the  day  of  your  visitation,  and  hate  the  light,  and  love  darkness, 
which  is  sin  and  wickedness,  it  will  be  your  eternal  condemnation,  and 
stand  a  witness  for  the  Lord  God  upon  your  heads,  against  you  forever. 


29 


Against  Egypt,  [or  those]  who  love  the  Land  of  Darkness. 

Now  a  word,  and  a  dreadful  sound  to  all  you,  who  cry  out  of  the 
people  of  God,  who  wait  for  him  in  the  way  of  his  judgments,  saying, 
"Ye  are  idle,  ye  are  idle."    Was  not  this  the  language  of  Pharaoh's 
Egyptians,  whom  God  destroyed  in  the  midst  of  the  sea?    And  you  are 
as  much  mistaken  and  deceived  as  Pharaoh  was.    0  ye  Egyptians,  and 
inhabiters  of  the  land  of  thick  darkness!  you  shall  one  day  know,  that 
they  are  idle  who  are  out  of  the  vineyard  of  God,  and  you  shall  know, 
that  you  are  worse  than  the  dogs  of  Egypt;  for  they  did  not  move  their 
tongues,  when  the  seed  and  Israel  of  God  went  out  to  sacrifice  unto 
him  in  the  wilderness.    Heavy  plagues  and  dreadful  judgments  are 
coming  upon  you  all,  which  will  utterly  consume  you,  except  you  speed- 
ily repent !  for  the  Lord  our  God  is  a  swift  witness  against  all  the 
earthly-minded  tyrants,  and  oppressing  children  of  wrath  and  darkness. 
O  ye  moles,  who  dig  in  the  earth !  you  cannot  consider  the  fowls  of  the 
air,  nor  see  how  the  lilies  grow;  ye  are  blind  in  the  earth  and  dark- 
ness; but  they  that  wait  on  the  Lord,  mount  up  like  eagles:  and  we 
have  cast  away  our  idols  of  gold,  and  of  silver,  to  the  moles  and  to  the 
bats,  for  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majesty,  who  is 
now  risen  to  shake  terribly  the  earth.  And  you  are  of  that  generation 
which  are  eating  and  drinking,  and  marrying,  and  giving  in  marriage, 
and  smiting  your  fellow  servants:  now  the  master  of  the  house  is  risen, 
and  thou  wilt  be  found  that  wicked,  idle,  and  slothful  servant,  when 
the  Lord  cometh,  and  shall  find  thee  so  doing.    Wherefore,  ye  moles ! 
arise  out  of  the  earth,  for  he  is  not  there,  he  is  risen;  for  we  meet  the 
Lord  in  the  air.    But  this  is  a  mystery  to  the  moles  and  the  bats,  and 
hid  from  all  the  children  of  darkness;  and  the  children  of  light  weep 
over  you,  though  their  outward  flesh  is  trodden  under  foot  by  you,  and 
pray  for  such  as  persecute  them.    O,  thou  that  sleepest !  awake,  and 
rise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ  will  give  thee  light !  Stand  in  awe,  and 
sin  not ;  commune  with  thy  own  heart  quietly,  and  be  still,  and  see 
where  thy  treasure  is — for  where  thy  treasure  is,  there  will  thy  heart 
be  also:  if  it  be  in  the  earth,  and  earthly  things,  thou  art  a  mole,  though 
decked  with  gold  and  scarlet,  it  is  all  but  of  the  earth;  but  he  is  risen 
whom  we  follow;  and  where  the  carcass  is,  the  eagles  are  gathered 
together.    O  come  out  to  the  light,  that  thou  mayest  see,  and  stand 
naked  before  that  pure  eye  that  cannot  behold  iniquity  without  pun- 
ishing!   Did  not  Christ  Jesus,  the  light  of  the  world,  commend  Mary, 
who  sat  at  his  feet  to  hear  his  word,  and  said,  she  had  chosen  that 
which  should  never  be  taken  from  her?    And  did  not  the  son  of  God 
reprove  Martha,  for  being  cumbered  about  the  many  things?    O  ye 


30 


fools!  when  will  ye  be  wise,  and  of  an  understanding  heart?  And  thou 
that  art  afraid,  that  we  and  our  little  ones  shall  be  burdensome  unto 
thee,  doubting  that  we  should  feed  upon  thy  earthly  treasure,  at  which 
thou  art  troubled — why,  thou  inhabitant  of  the  land  of  darkness,  and 
thou  Pharaoh,  king  of  Egypt,  we  go  out  from  thee  with  our  little  ones, 
and  with  our  flocks,  and  our  herds,  and  not  a  hoof  shall  be  left  behind. 
Therefore,  fear  not  that,  but  fear  the  Lord  God,  who  is  not  far  from 
thee,  and  heareth  the  groanings  of  his  pure  seed  of  life,  which  in  thee 
thou  hatest;  and  he  will  plague  thee,  if  thou  let  it  not  go  to  sacrifice 
unto  him  in  the  wilderness;  for  cursed  is  the  deceiver  that  hath  in  his. 
flock  a  male,  and  sacrificeth  unto  the  Lord  a  corrupt  thing. 

Jl  Word  to  the  Sandy  Builders  of  Babel  in  England. 

Now  a  word  to  you,  priests,  rulers,  and  people,  and  all  professors,  who> 
when  the  messengers  and  servants  of  the  Lord  God  are  sent  among  you,, 
to  reprove  you,  and  to  cry  against  your  idolatry,  hypocrisy,  and  false 
worship,  in  your  idols-temple,  steeple-house,  or  elsewhere,  you  presently 
cry  out,  your  peace  is  disturbed,  and  that  they  are  disturbers  of  the 
peace  of  the  commonwealth;  and  you  are  even  troubled  at  the  very 
sight  of  their  persons.  O  people!  consider  your  estate,  and  the  founda- 
tion you  are  built  upon ;  and  what  peace  it  is  that  is  so  quickly  bro- 
ken, and  shaken  in  you,  and  taken  from  you ;  and  whether  that  be  the 
commonwealth's  peace,  that  is  broken  at  the  sight  or  savoury  words 
of  a  man  or  woman  that  feareth  God,  by  whose  word  of  power  he 
upholdeth  all  things,  and  by  which  his  creation  is  preserved,  whose 
peace  can  never  be  broken.  But  this  showeth  plainly  unto  many,  that 
you  are  built  upon  the  sands,  and  not  upon  the  rock,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  the  light  of  the  world,  and  lighteth  every  man  that 
cometh  into  the  world.  And  he  is  the  chief  corner  stone,  but  is  re- 
fused by  you  builders,  who  build  up  Babel,  a  confused  building,  that 
is  to  be  confounded  by  the  powerful  spirit  of  the  living  God.  There- 
fore, by  the  just  line  of  true  judgment,  try  your  building,  and  weigh  your 
profession  of  God,  Christ,  and  the  scriptures,  in  the  just  balance,  the 
light  of  Jesus,  and  prove  your  own  selves ;  for  if  Christ  be  not  in  you, 
you  are  then  reprobates;  and  if  he  be  in  you,  the  body  is  dead,  because 
of  sin,  and  the  spirit  is  life,  because  of  righteousness ;  and  then  your 
peace  could  no  man  take  from  you:  but  there  is  no  peace  to  the  wick- 
ed, saith  my  God.  For  they  are  like  the  troubled  sea,  that  cannot  rest, 
whose  waves  cast  up  mire  and  dirt — pride,  envy,  rage,  reviling, 
scoffing  and  scorning;  deriding  and  despitefully  using,  and  perse- 


31 


cuting  those  that  fear  the  living  God.  But  we  witness  his  power  in 
us  that  saith  to  the  sea,  hither  shalt  thou  come,  and  no  further,  and  here 
shall  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed!  Glory  and  praises  unto  the  Lord  God 
Almighty  forever,  who  alone  art  to  be  feared  and  praised.  And  who 
would  not  fear  thee,  thou  King  of  saints !  O,  all  people!  consider,  the 
hope  and  joy  of  the  hypocrite  is  but  for  a  moment !  and  you  that  cry 
peace  to  yourselves  in  that  nature,  your  sudden  destruction  is  coming. 

Therefore,  haste  to  meet  the  Lord  God  of  life,  and  cast  off  the  works 
of  darkness,  and  all  wickedness,  and  unrighteousness;  for  while  thou 
livest  in  pride,  and  art  serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  the  light  of 
Christ  in  thy  conscience  is  a  swift  witness  against  thee ;  and  for  these 
things'  sake  cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  of  disobedience, 
and  all  his  enemies  shall  be  as  the  fat  of  lambs.  For  the  day  of  the 
Lord's  anger  burnetii  like  an  oven,  and  all  the  proud,  and  all  that  do 
wickedly,  shall  be  as  stubble,  and  the  day  that  cometh  shall  burn  them 
up,  and  leave  them  neither  root  nor  branch.  Oh!  fear  and  tremble,  ye 
sturdy  oaks  of  Bashan,  and  all  ye  high  and  lofty  cedars!  dreadful  is  the 
pure  righteous  God  to  all  that  live  in  wickedness,  and  run  in  the  ways 
of  unrighteousness.  Therefore,  while  thou  hast  time  consider  it;  for 
the  name  and  memorial  of  the  ungodly  shall  rot;  and  "there  is  no 
peace  to  the  wicked,"  saith  the  Lord  God  of  truth. 

voice  against  Balaam,  Cain  and  Core;  and  a  word  to  the  simple 
hearted,  who  desire  to  know  the  truth. 

Now  if  any  honest  simple  heart  would  know  the  reason,  why  we  are 
haled  out  of  the  synagogues,  and  persecuted,  and  reviled,  and  de- 
spitefully  used,  and  cast  into  prisons,  and  dungeons,  and  noisome  and 
stinking  holes,  and  suffer  many  reproaches,  and  false  accusations,  and 
stripes,  and  cruel  mockings,  both  by  priests,  rulers,  and  people,  who 
are  of  them  in  scorn  called  Quakers;  but  quaking  and  trembling  we  own, 
(which  also  the  holy  men  of  God  of  old  did  witness,)  but  deny  the  un- 
godly, and  their  worship  forever.  And  in  truth  and  faithfulness  the 
reason  I  declare  unto  thee,  to  take  occasion  of  stumbling  out  of  the 
way:  it  is  for  the  same  things  for  which  the  lamb  was  slain  since  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  even  for  witnessing  to  the  truth,  and  testifying 
against  the  works  of  the  world,  that  are  evil.  And  wherefore  slew  Cain 
his  brother,  but  because  his  own  works  were  evil,  and  his  brother's 
righteous?  For  this  is  the  cause  why  all  the  children  and  servants  of 
the  Lord  who  have  received  the  spirit  of  truth,  which  the  world  know- 
eth  not,  suffered  in  all  generations ;  and  it  is  manifest  to  us,  that  those 


32 


by  whom  we  now  suffer  bonds,  and  afflictions,  and  cruel  unjust  imprison- 
ments, are  children  of  the  power  of  darkness,  and  are  in  Cain's  way 
and  Balaam's  way,  as  by  their  fruits  they  are  discovered.  Therefore, 
wo  unto  them,  for  they  have  gone  in  the  way  of  Cain,  to  envy  and 
murder  the  just;  yea,  the  life  of  God  they  fight  against:  but  they  are 
blind  as  their  fathers  were,  who  preached  for  hire,  gifts,  and  rewards, 
tithes  and  great  benefices,  and  spoil  many  poor  people's  goods,  who 
are  greedy  of  filthy  lucre,  and  full  of  extortion  and  excess.  Oh,  the  un- 
righteousness, and  cruel  oppression,  both  of  the  rulers  of  darkness  and 
ministers  of  antichrist,  in  this  nation  of  England!    Balaam  loved  the 
wages  of  unrighteousness,  but  received  it  not;  yet  he  was  so  blind  that 
he  could  not  see  the  angel  with  a  flaming  sword  against  him  in  his  way. 
But  the  sword  of  the  Lord  God  is  drawn  against  the  hirelings,  and  such 
as  divine  for  money,  who  cry  peace  to  the  wicked,  and  are  in  enmity 
against  the  just;  and  he  will  never  put  it  up,  until  he  hath  accomplished 
his  work,  which  in  his  heart  he  hath  purposed  to  do,  which  is,  to  con- 
found, root  up,  and  overturn  the  very  foundation  on  which  they,  their 
building,  and  their  ungodly  and  idolatrous  worship  stand:  for  they  are 
in  Cain's  way,  and  Balaam's  way,  and  have  the  love  of  money,  which 
is  the  root  of  all  evil,  in  and  among  them;  and  "a  gift  blinds  the  eye:" 
mark,  and  consider,  what  eye  a  gift  blindeth.    O  ye  foolish !  when  will 
ye  be  wise,  and  of  an  understanding  heart?  And  they  who  are  blind, 
stumble  at  the  precious  corner  stone.    And  so  he  is  a  rock  of  offence, 
and  a  stone  of  stumbling  to  all  the  disobedient  and  gain-saying,  who 
gain-say  the  light,  which  is  the  truth,  which  truth  is  required  in  the  in- 
ward parts.  Therefore,  wo  unto  you  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites ! 
whose  inward  parts  are  full  of  wickedness;  though  to  the  blind,  foolish, 
and  besotted  people,  you  may  appear  beautiful — who  are  kept  by  you 
in  hard  bondage,  and  slavish  fear  of  the  wrathful  power  of  darkness, 
that  rules  in  proud  and  lustful  flesh,  which  brings  a  snare  to  their  souls. 
Yet  to  the  children  of  light  you  are  plainly  discovered,  and  thorough- 
ly discerned,  and  known  as  you  are ;  and  all  your  snares,  witchcrafts, 
and  sophistries,  with  which  you  lie  in  wait  to  raven  for  the  prey,  like 
devouring  wolves,  are  seen  and  escaped,  and  testified  against  by  them. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  and  father  of  mercies,  forever.  So,  in  vain  is 
the  snare  laid  in  the  sight  of  any  bird. 

O,  ye  children  of  light,  and  servants  of  the  Father  of  light  and  life! 
be  still,  and  wait  patiently,  that  you  may  mount  up  like  eagles,  and 
see  the  sea  under  your  feet,  whose  waves  and  billows  have  gone  over 
your  head.  For  the  Lord,  with  his  mighty  power,  is  exalting  him  that 
rideth  meekly  upon  the  foal  of  an  ass.  Glory  and  praises  unto  the 
Lord  God  x\lmighty  forever,  who  is  setting  the  solitary  in  families,  and 
leading  Joseph  like  a  flock,  with  his  arm  of  eternal  power,  with  which 


33 


he  is  scattering  the  proud  in  their  imaginations,  and  is  bringing  the 
mighty  from  their  unrighteous  seats,  for  which  my  soul  doth  magnify 
him.  Oh !  let  none  be  ashamed  that  wait  on  the  Lord;  let  them  be 
ashamed  that  transgress.  Though  you  see  the  heavens  and  earth 
without  form,  and  darkness  upon  the  face  of  the  deep,  yet  wait  in  the 
mount;  for  the  Lord  God  is  creating  new  heavens  and  a  new  earth, 
wherein  dwelleth  righteousness,  and  the  former  is  to  pass  away  with  a 
great  noise.  O!  ye  dear  children,  that  in  pure  hunger  ask  bread,  do 
you  think  you  shall  have  a  stone  1  or  if  you  ask  a  fish,  do  you  think 
you  shall  have  a  scorpion  1  John,  your  dear  brother  and  companion  in 
tribulation  and  patience,  who  kept  the  commandments  of  God  and  the 
testimony  of  Jesus,  he  declared  of  thunders,  and  lightnings,  and  voices, 
and  plagues  of  hail,  and  vials  of  wrath,  and  torments,  and  dreadful 
sights  and  visions;  yet  after  that  he  saw  the  holy  city,  New  Jerusalem, 
come  down  from  God  out  of  heaven,  whose  light  was  like  a  jasper, 
clear  as  crystal,  whose  streets  are  pure  gold,  as  it  were  transparent 
glass.  Oh!  ye  sons  of  Jacob,  you  must  serve  for  Leah  first,  though 
the  covenant  was  for  Rachel :  also,  her  father  said,  it  was  the  manner 
of  that  country;  for  Rachel  was  the  younger  daughter,  and  the  most 
beautiful,  and  beloved  of  Jacob — she,  notwithstanding,  must  be  kept 
from  him,  and  she  whom  he  loved  not  was  given  to  him,  until  he  had 
served  the  full  time  appointed  of  her  father:  then  he  enjoyed  his  dearly 
beloved  one,  whom  first  he  saw,  and  for  whom  he  served.  But  Was 
not  Jacob  troubled,  when  he  said  to  his  father-in-law,  what  is  this  thou 
hast  done  unto  me  %  Here  was  a  strange  thing  happened,  but  let  him 
that  readeth  understand.  But  he  had  such  love  to  Rachel,  that  his 
serving  for  her  seemed  but  a  few  days.  O,  my  dear  friends,  arid  chil- 
dren of  the  stock  of  Abraham !  this  is  the  manner  of  our  country,  whose 
tribulation  worketh  patience,  and  the  hope  that  maketh  not  ashamed; 
who,  in  the  righteous  judgments  of  God  our  Father,  can  rejoice  forever- 
more. 

O,  my  dear  friends!  wait  patiently  on  the  Lord;  for  the  time  is 
coming,  when  there  shall  be  no  more  a  pricking  briar  to  the  house  of 
Israel;  but  the  lambs  shall  feed  after  their  manner,  and  lie  down  in 
quiet  resting  places,  and  none  shall  make  them  afraid.  My  dear  lambs, 
Jerusalem  shall  be  inhabited  like  towns  without  walls — but  I  will  be 
a  wall  of  fire  round  about  you,  saith  the  Lord  God.  And  thou,  O  Gog, 
whose  weapons  are  carnal,  when  my  people  dwell  safely,  thou  shalt  not 
know  it.  And  thou  Cain,  who  art  envious  and  wrathful,  thou  art  still 
a  vagabond,  and  driven  from  the  God  of  love  and  peace.  And  thou, 
Balaam,  who  preachest  for  gifts,  and  rewards,  and  dishonest  gain  of 
oppression,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  God  will  thee  meet  with  a  flaming 
sword  in  thy  way  of  unrighteousness,  and  cut  thee  down  forever,  ex- 


34 


cept  thou  speedily  repent ;  and  the  dumb  ass,  on  which  thou  ridest, 
will  one  day  cry  out  against  thy  madness  and  folly.  And  thou,  Core, 
that  gainsayest  the  truth,  (which  is  the  light  of  life,  which  is  given 
to  be  a  leader  and  commander  of  the  people,)  the  earth  swalloweth 
thee  up.  So  consider  this,  all  foolish,  blind,  and  sottish  people.  You 
are  like  the  ass  that  Balaam  rideth  on,  which  doth  not  use  to  reprove 
him;  but  the  time  is  coming,  that  when  you  feel  the  strokes  come  upon 
you,  through  his  deceivableness  of  unrighteousness  who  hath  led  you 
long  in  ignorance,  through  covetous  flatteries,  who  then  will  curse  him 
in  the  bitterness  of  your  souls.  And  in  that  day  you  shall  know,  that 
Cain's  sacrifice  was  never  accepted,  and  that  Esau,  by  hunting  abroad, 
lost  his  birth-right  and  blessing.  O,  all  people,  that  you  understood 
this!  then  should  my  heart  rejoice,  even  mine:  but  to  babes  are  the 
mysteries  of  the  kingdom  revealed,  and  to  others  they  are  in  parables 
— therefore,  in  the  will  of  my  God  I  desire  to  rest. 

A  Lamentable  Voice  to  the  Careless,  Licentious  Ones. 

O,  all  people!  who  are  in  pride,  and  voluptuousness,  and  in  deli- 
ciousness,  and  wantonness,  serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  who  are 
in  rioting,  and  drunkenness,  and  sporting  in  the  day  time,  you  are  ene- 
mies to  the  righteous  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  to  your  own  souls. 
And  you  who  are  wrathful  and  envious,  you  are  in  Cain's  way;  wo  will 
be  unto  you,  and  all  liars,  and  profane  and  unclean  persons,  and  covetous, 
and  malicious,  and  all  hypocrites,  and  light,  wild  people,  who  live  in 
vanity  and  carelessness,  not  regarding  the  day  of  your  visitation,  ye  are 
the  slayers  of  the  lamb  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  For  you  all 
am  I  made  to  take  up  a  lamentation,  (with  grief  of  heart  and  tears  of 
sorrow,)  saying,  oh,  that  I  had  in  the  wilderness  a  lodging  place  of  way- 
faring men,  that  I  might  go  from  this  people,  and  leave  them !  O 
poor  Lot !  I  see  how  thy  righteous  soul  was  vexed  from  day  to  day, 
with  the  filthy  conversation  of  the  wicked,  until  thou  wert  delivered 
from  them,  and  they  destroyed  forever.    O  Abraham  !  I  see  how  thou, 
in  tender  pity,  didst  intreat  thy  God  for  Sodom;  but  there  was  not 
any  righteous  in  it,  but  he  who  with  their  deeds  was  vexed.    O  dear 
Noah  !  I  see  how  thou  wast  warned  of  the  living  God,  to  provide  an 
ark  to  the  salvation  of  thy  soul,  who  preached  the  coming  of  the  flood 
upon  the  world  of  the  ungodly.    O  Elias !  I  see  how  thou  heardst 
the  sound  of  much  rain,  (being  on  the  mount  where  the  wonders  of 
( Jod  are  seen,)  and  warned  Ahab  to  prepare  his  chariot,  that  it  might 


35 


not  stop  him.  0  John  Baptist !  I  see  thee  crying  in  the  wilderness, 
like  a  reed  shaken  with  the  wind,  declaring  a  mightier  one  coming 
after,  which  before  was  not  a  greater  born  among  women;  and  those 
were  men  of  like  passions  with  us,  whom  the  children  of  darkness  call 
Quakers.  O,  all  people  !  hear,  hear !  A  sound  is  coming  that  will 
make  your  ears  to  tingle,  and  it  will  be  a  vexation  even  to  hear  the 
report;  for  I  declare  unto  you  the  coming  of  a  mighty  one,  to  judge 
the  world  in  righteousness,  with  power  and  great  glory;  unto  whom 
every  knee  shall  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  the  earth,  and 
in  the  sea ;  at  whose  coming  the  whole  earth  is  moved,  and  reels  like 
a  cottage  at  his  presence,  at  which  the  strong  men  are  bowed,  and  the 
keepers  of  the  house  tremble.  O,  ye  rich  men  and  gluttonous  ones, 
who  live  at  ease  in  pleasure  and  vanities  !  you  would  have  one  rise  from 
the  dead,  to  preach  to  your  brethren ;  but  his  voice  is  heard  who  is  risen 
from  the  dead,  yet  will  not  they,  whose  hearts  are  hardened  with  pride 
and  pleasure,  hear  his  powerful  voice  !  Therefore  behold  ye  despisers, 
wonder  and  perish,  saith  the  Lord  God ;  for  I  work  a  work  in  your  days, 
which  you  will  in  no  wise  believe  nor  understand. 

ia  Word  of  Information  to  the  Ignorant,  who  are  not  wholly  har- 
dened. 

Now  a  word  to  all  you  that  are  simple,  ignorant  people,  who  frequent 
the  steeple  house,  or  Samaria  worship,  who  sometimes  find  some  small 
springs  of  tenderness  to  arise  in  your  hearts,  and  begin  a  little  to  see 
the  envy,  and  covetousness,  and  lightness  of  the  priests,  that  preach 
for  hire,  who  are  in  Cain's  way,  and  Balaam's  way — which  tenderness 
in  you  is  sometimes  burthened,  to  think  of  the  cruelty  and  grievous  op- 
pression both  of  priests,  rulers,  and  people,  who  are  moved  with  envy 
against  a  harmless  people,  whom  God  hath  chosen  out  of  the  world, 
and  all  the  ways,  worships,  and  customs  thereof,  which  will  fade  as  a 
leaf,  to  bear  testimony  unto  his  righteous  name  and  truth;  to  you,  I  say, 
God  is  light,  and  a  spiritual  being,  who  formed  man  in  the  womb,  and 
is  the  creator  and  former  of  every  living  thing,  who  is  worshipped  in 
spirit,  in  the  inward  parts,  and  in  truth;  whose  light  shineth  in  thy 
heart,  which  is  a  power  of  meekness,  placed  in  man,  though  trod  under 
foot,  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  And  from  thence  doth  thy 
tenderness  arise,  even  from  the  lamb  which  lieth  under  slain;  whose 
light  it  is  that  letteth  thee  see  that  to  be  evil  which  in  thy  conscience 
i?  contrary  to  equity  and  righteousness.    Therefore  take  bred  thou 


36 


dost  not  forsake  the  fountain  of  mercies  and  living  waters,  and  follow 
a  covetous  hireling  priest,  whose  ways  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  abhor- 
reth,  and  hew  out  a  cistern,  which,  in  the  day  when  God  shall  judge 
and  try  thee,  will  hold  no  water.  For  thee,  even  for  thee,  doth  my  soul 
mourn,  and  I  am  grieved  at  my  heart.  Therefore  hear  what  the  spirit 
saith;  "God  is  a  spirit,"  the  spirit  is  a  life,  the  life  is  moving  or  stirring, 
and  also  striving  with  man,  against  whatsoever  is  evil,  unequal,  or  un- 
righteous; whose  striving  is  his  word,  which  word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in 
thy  heart  and  in  thy  mouth,  that  thou  mayest  hear  it  and  obey  it. 
But  in  silence  and  in  quietness  must  thou  wait,  and  be  still,  and  secretly 
commune  with  thy  own  heart,  where  thou  wilt  then  come  to  stand 
guilty  before  the  throne  of  God,  who  is  light;  and  thy  mouth  will  be 
stopped  for  a  season,  and  to  judgment  must  thou  come  for  every  idle 
word,  and  the  tongue  come  to  be  bridled,  and  that  ground  in  thee 
chained  from  whence  the  corrupt  communication  proceeds,  and  ac- 
count must  be  given  of  the  deeds  done  in  the  body;  in  whose  presence 
thou  wilt  hear  that  voice,  if  thou  waitest  quietly,  which  shaketh  the 
earth,  and  maketh  the  mountains  to  tremble;  at  which  thy  hands  will 
wax  feeble,  and  thy  countenance  be  changed,  and  the  joints  of  thy 
loins  be  loosed  ;  on  whom  pangs  will  take  hold,  as  a  woman  in  travail. 
And  this  thou  canst  not  escape:  for  if  thou  flee,  thy  flight  is  in  the 
winter ;  then  will  there  follow  wo,  and  such  great  tribulations  and  de- 
solations, the  like  thou  never  heardest  or  sawest  before.  But  if  thou 
standest  still  in  quietness,  though  darkness  cover  the  earth,  and  thick 
darkness  the  people,  yet  the  Lord  God  will  be  the  hope  of  his  precious, 
tender  seed,  which  is  prisoner  and  captive  in  the  land  of  darkness. 
So  if  thou  keep  the  word  of  patience,  and  the  fear  of  God,  thou  wilt 
find  him  that  shaketh  the  earth  is  also  able  to  divide  the  sea,  that  his 
redeemed  captive  may  come  to  enjoy  the  good  land  of  rest,  where  the 
ransomed  of  the  Lord  doth  walk  and  rejoice  in  love,  in  life,  and  peace 
forever  and  ever.  Glory  and  praises  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Abraham, 
who  hath  wrought  all  our  works  in  us  and  for  us,  whose  own  works 
praise  him,  to  whom  be  eternal  glory  and  blessing.  Amen. 

A  Discovery  of  the  Way  to  Everlasting  Peace  with  God,  and  a 
direction  and  exhortation  to  walk  therein. 

There  is  no  other  way  or  name  given  whereby  men  shall  be  saved, 
but  by  the  power  and  life  of  the  holy  child  Jesus,  who  is  the  heir  of 
all  things,  by  whom  the  world  was  made,  whom  God  hath  given  into 
the  world,  that  all  men  through  him  might  believe;  who,  when  he  sent 


37 


him  into  the  world,  said,  "This  is  my  beloved  son,  hear  ye  him;"  which 
son  saith,  "I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that  whosoever  believeth 
on  me,  should  not  abide  in  darkness,  but  have  the  light  of  life."  This  is 
he  who  said,  "I  am  from  above,  I  am  not  of  this  world;"  but  said,  "I  am 
the  light  of  the  world;"  for  "God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life"  of  whom  John  bore  witness,  that  he  was  "  the  true 
light  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world.  He  was  in 
the  world,  and  the  world  was  made  by  him,  and  the  world  knew  him  not. 
He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own  received  him  not ;  but  as  many  as 
received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even 
to  them  that  believe  on  his  name  :  which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor 
of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God :  and  of 
his  fulness  have  all  we  received;"  and  "the  manifestation  of  the  spirit  is 
given  to  every  man,  to  profit  withal." 

Therefore,  all  people  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  consider  this !  A 
measure  of  the  true  light  of  life,  the  Lord  God  of  infinite  mercy  hath 
given  unto  you,  that  you  should  not  perish,  but  that  by  it  you  should 
be  led  into  eternal  life  and  peace:  yea,  a  manifestation  of  the  spirit 
of  God  is  given  to  every  one  of  you,  with  it  to  profit.  Therefore,  as 
you  must  give  an  account,  and  as  you  will  answer  it  in  the  great  and 
dreadful  day  of  God,  take  heed  you  turn  not  from  his  grace,  and  live 
in  wantonness,  vanity,  and  wickedness ;  and  there  will  be  always  com- 
plaining for  want  of  grace,  and  for  want  of  power,  and  so  charge  God 
foolishly.  For  none  are  murmurers  nor  complainers,  but  such  as  are 
walking  after  their  own  ungodly  lusts,  and  these  are  they  which  speak 
great  swelling  words,  having  men's  persons  in  admiration,  because  of 
advantage,  who  separate  themselves,  sensual,  having  not  the  spirit. 
But  the  grace  of  God,  that  bringeth  salvation,  hath  appeared  unto  all 
men,  and  it  teacheth  us  to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world:  even  us,  who 
believe  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten  son  of  God,  who  saith,  I  am 
the  light  of  the  world:  and  "all  things  that  are  reproved,  are  made 
manifest  by  the  light,  for  whatsoever  doth  make  manifest  is  light." 

Now  this  is  the  true  light  of  the  son  of  God,  Christ  Jesus,  who  light- 
eth every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  which  manifesteth  or  show- 
eth  secretly  unto  you  your  evil  deeds,  and  unholy  conversation,  your 
lightness  and  vanity  of  mind,  and  letteth  you  see  the  secret  stirrings 
of  the  pride  and  envy  of  your  hearts,  and  checketh  and  reproveth  you 
many  times  secretly  for  your  unsavoury  words,  and  hard  speeches,  and 
vain  and  wicked  thoughts,  whereby  a  secret  fire  in  you  is  kindled,  caus- 
ing you  sometimes  at  it  to  blush.  So  that  there  is  an  eye  which  you 
will  one  day  know,  that  seeth  in  secret,  by  whose  light  every  man 


38 


shall  be  rewarded  openly  ;  and  God  will  judge  the  secrets  of  all  man- 
kind by  Christ  Jesus,  the  light  of  the  world,  who  lighteth  every  man 
that  cometh  into  the  world,  so  that  he  shall  have  no  cloak  for  his  sin. 
Therefore,  let  none  think  within  themselves,  that  they  shall  be  covered 
or  hid  by  talking  of  his  words  or  professing  his  name,  which  is  terrible 
and  dreadful  to  all  the  ungodly,  and  that  vain  hopes  of  forgiveness  of 
sins,  without  departing  from  iniquity,  will  save  them,  and  that  he  will 
not  bring  all  your  hidden  things  to  the  light,  and  every  secret  thing  into 
judgment,  but  cry  out,  he  will  be  merciful  unto  you  and  your  infirmi- 
ties, who  live  in  ungodliness,  hypocrisy,  and  wickedness.  I  say,  wo  from 
the  Lord  God  of  life  and  power  unto  all  them  that  make  any  thing 
their  hope,  covering,  or  hiding  place,  but  the  light,  life,  and  the  pure 
spirit  of  the  living  God,  whose  glory  lighteth  the  world,  and  his 
brightness  maketh  hidden  things  manifest,  and  from  him  nothing  can 
be  hid;  for  he  is  pure  light  itself.  Therefore  doth  the  hope  of  the  hypo- 
crite perish,  and  the  wicked  cannot  stand  in  his  judgments,  and  all  un- 
righteous coverings  will  be  too  narrow  in  his  dreadful  presence,  who  is 
come  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  and  the  people  with  his  truth, 
even  by  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  the  light  of  the  world,  who  lighteth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world;  who  saith,  "I  am  the  way,  the 
truth  and  the  life;  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me."  Mark 
here!  no  man  cometh  to  the  Father,  but  by  him,  who  is  the  true  light, 
that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world ;  whose  light  is  in 
the  conscience  and  hearts  of  men,  bearing  witness  against  all  unrighte- 
ousness by  them  committed,  and  reproves  and  condemns  the  unrighte- 
ous grounds  from  whence  it  ariseth,  and  striveth  with  them  to  lead 
and  guide  them,  in  the  way  of  holiness,  unto  Christ,  the  Saviour,  from 
whence  it  comes,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  And  he  is 
meek  and  lowly  in  the  heart,  who  is  the  help  and  Saviour  of  the  soul;  and 
he  is  the  true  guide  and  teacher,  whom  all  are  to  hear,  who  saith,  I  am 
the  light ;  to  whom,  in  my  measure,  I  bear  testimony,  that  he  is  the 
true  and  everlasting  high  priest  and  prophet  of  God,  and  that  all  who 
refuse  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven,  who  lighteth  every  man,  shall 
be  cut  off  from  the  land  of  the  living  and  heritage  of  God,  forever. 
And  he  it  is  that  manifesteth,  leadeth  away  from,  and  beareth  witness 
against,  all  the  false  prophets,  and  hireling  priests,  who  are  all  broken 
cisterns,  and  hold  not  the  water  of  life,  but  are  strangers  and  enemies 
to  it,  against  whom  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  stretched  out ;  and  his 
sword  is  drawn,  and  made  bright  for  the  slaughter  among  them  and 
all  the  ungodly ;  and  he  will  never  put  it  up  till  they  be  utterly  con- 
founded, who  have  destroyed  the  heritage,  and  works  of  his  hands,  and 
sheep  of  his  pasture,  and  caused  many  to  perish  for  lack  of  knowledge; 
who  themselves  are  erred  from  the  right  way,  and  gone  astray  in  the 


39 


way  of  Balaam,  the  son  of  Bozor,  who  loved  the  wages  of  unrighteous- 
ness, whom  the  Lord  God  will  cut  down  and  destroy  from  off  the  face 
of  the  earth.  For  the  Lord  is  jealous  for  Sion,  and  will  plead  with  her 
enemies ;  and  a  dreadful  day  will  it  be  to  them  that  make  war  with 
the  lamb,  who  is  the  light  of  the  holy  city,  New  Jerusalem,  which  is 
come  down  from  God  out  of  heaven. 

But  all  who  love  the  light,  which  they  be  lighted  withal,  cast  off  the 
works  of  darkness,  which  by  it  are  made  manifest  and  reproved.  And 
the  works  of  darkness  and  of  the  flesh  are  manifest,  which  are  these: 
pride,  envy,  wrath,  malice,  anger,  frowardness,  covetousness,  wanton- 
ness, drunkenness,  lying,  swearing,  adultery,  fornication,  murder,  theft, 
defrauding,  extortion,  back-biting,  false-accusing,  slandering,  false-wit- 
ness-bearing, and  evil-speaking,  blasphemy,  heresy,  witchcraft,  false 
doctrine,  doctrines  of  devils,  divining  for  money,  seeking  gain  from  their 
quarter,  making  merchandise  both  of  the  souls  and  bodies  of  people 
for  filthy  lucre,  oppression,  injustice,  wrong  judgment,  partiality,  judg- 
ing for  rewards  of  unrighteousness,  hypocrisy,  and  deceit :  these  are 
the  works  of  darkness,  which  whoso  followeth  the  light,  are  to  cast  off, 
and  shall  not  abide  in;  and  these  are  the  fruits  of  the  flesh,  which 
whosoever  bring  forth,  and  live  in,  cannot  please  God,  who  is  immortal, 
dwelling  in  the  light,  from  whose  presence  the  light  of  life  proceedeth. 
These  are  the  works  of  the  devil,  which  the  son  of  God  is  manifested 
to  destroy:  these  sins  are  the  merchandise  of  Babel,  with  which  all 
her  merchants  trafhc,  whereby  the  cursed  ground  is  enriched  with  that 
which  is  to  be  destroyed  forever;  whose  beginning  or  entrance  brought 
confusion  among  the  sons  of  men,  upon  whose  root  and  branches  (of 
this  great  tree  of  wickedness,)  all  the  plagues  and  vials  of  the  everlasting 
wrath  of  God  Almighty,  are  to  be  poured  down  forever  and  ever.  And 
all  that  are  not  separated  from  these  cursed  confused  works  of  dark- 
ness, shall  be  partakers  of  the  plagues  due  unto  them;  and  vengeance, 
in  flames  of  everlasting  burnings,  will  God  render  upon  all  them  who 
hate  the  light,  which  they  be  lighted  withal.  For  all  judgment  is  com- 
mitted unto  him'who  lighteth  every  man,  who  is  the  author  of  eternal 
salvation  to  all  them  that  obey  him,  who  casteth  off  the  works  of  dark- 
ness and  wickedness,  which  are  reproved  and  condemned  with  the  light. 

Therefore  take  heed,  and  be  you  warned,  all  you  disobedient  ones, 
in  whose  hearts  the  prince  of  darkness  ruleth,  who  striveth  to  make 
void  the  purpose  of  God,  (who  sent  his  son  to  condemn  sin  in  the  flesh, 
and  to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,)  by  your  continual  wickedness, 
and  transgressing  against  him,  who  is  coming  near  to  judgment,  and 
will  be  a  swift  witness  against  all  the  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness 
of  men,  without  respect  of  persons;  and  will  convince  all  that  are  un- 
godly of  their  ungodly  deeds  and  hard  speeches,  which  they  have  spoken 


40 


and  acted  against  the  son  of  God,  who  is  now  come  to  reign  and  rule 
the  nations  in  righteousness,  to  whose  sceptre  every  knee  shall  bow; 
for  he  is  given  for  a  leader  and  commander  of  the  people,  and  a  light 
to  the  Gentiles,  and  kings  are  coming  to  the  brightness  of  his  glory. 
Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  forever  and  ever,  who  raiseth  up 
the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,  and  setteth  him  among  princes,  even  the 
princes  of  his  people;  and  he  is  the  judge  and  lawgiver,  whose  judgments, 
and  statutes,  and  law,  and  ways,  are  according  to  his  own  in  every  man 
that  cometh  into  the  world;  and  he  is  the  just  condemnation  of  all  that 
hate  and  despise  his  light  in  the  conscience,  which  is  God's  witness, 
pure  and  spotless,  who  can  have  no  peace  or  unity  with  him,  that  live 
in  the  spots  and  pollutions  of  the  world.  Therefore,  blessed  are  they 
forever  that  love  his  light  which  they  be  lighted  withal,  and  come  to 
be  taught  by  the  true  prophet  of  God,  who  leadeth  out  of  the  trans- 
gression and  sins ;  who  was  before  it  was  in  the  world,  whose  voice  thou 
mayest  hear  secretly,  wherever  thou  art,  and  in  what  company  soever 
thou  art,  as  thou  liest  on  thy  bed,  or  walkestin  the  way;  who  showeth 
the  thought  of  the  heart  every  moment,  and  checketh,  and  reproveth, 
and  condemneth  all  secret  and  open  unrighteousness  and  ungodliness 
whatsoever,  and  maketh  afraid,  when  wickedness  is  spoken  and  acted, 
though  no  mortal  eye  seeth  thee  or  ear  heareth  it.  But  this  is  God's 
faithful  witness  in  every  man,  which  will,  in  the  day  of  visitation, 
bring  hidden  things  to  light,  and  every  secret  work  into  judgment,  and 
will  reward  every  man  according  to  his  words  and  works,  whether  they 
be  good  or  evil. 

Therefore,  all  people,  consider!  there  is  no  other  name  or  saviour 
given  among  the  sons  of  men,  whereby  they  shall  be  saved,  and  come 
to  peace  eternally,  but  the  son  of  the  living  God,  who  lighteth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world;  for  there  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked, 
saith  my  God,  but  snares  of  fire,  and  an  horrible  tempest,  and  storms 
will  be  thundered  from  heaven  upon  them.  Therefore,  all  people,  fear 
God  and  give  glory  to  him  who  is  light  and  life,  and  look  back,  and  see 
how  you  have  spent  your  time  past,  and  prize  your  time  to  come,  and 
repent,  and  cast  off  the  works  of  darkness,  and  love  and  embrace  the 
eternal  light  of  life,  that  with  it  you  may  come  to  be  armed,  and  with 
the  spirit  of  God  covered,  that  so  you  may  be  able  to  stand  in  the  evil 
day,  that  is  coming  to  try  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth. 

This  is  the  day  of  your  visitation  and  salvation,  if  you  be  obedient 
to  the  light,  else  it  will  stand  a  witness  for  God  against  you  all,  and  be 
your  condemnation,  who  put  the  day  of  the  Lord  God  afar  off 


41 


A  tender  visitation  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Pool. 

And  now,  O  you  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  county  of  Pool,  and 
my  kindred  according  to  the  flesh!  how  often  would  the  Lord  God  of 
mercies  and  long  sufferings  have  gathered  you  into  his  arms  of  ever- 
lasting love:  but  you  would  not  regard  it!  Yea.  in  the  dread  of  his  infi- 
nite power,  and  bowels  of  unspeakable  love  unto  your  souls,  (seeing 
and  knowing  your  estate  of  ignorance  and  blindness,  and  the  miserable 
end  thereof,)  hath  the  Lord  God  moved  me  to  warn  you,  and  to  direct 
you  in  the  way  to  eternal  peace;  but  I  was  suddenly  haled  out  of  your 
assemblies,  in  the  steeple-house  and  elsewhere,  and  not  suffered  to 
declare  the  message  that  God  had  unto  you;  which  was,  to  warn  you 
of  the  wrath  to  come,  and  to  depart  from  every  evil  way  of  wickedness 
and  unrighteousness,  that  is  manifest  by  the  light,  and  to  forsake  your 
false  deceivable  ways  of  worship  and  hypocritical  practices,  which  you 
live  and  act  in,  and  to  make  your  hireling,  false  teachers  manifest,  by 
the  light,  to  the  people,  that  by  them  they  may  no  longer  be  deceived  and 
destroyed,  whom  the  indignation  of  God  is  kindled  against.  But  I  was 
thought  as  a  man  deluded  and  distracted  among  you,  and  was  become 
a  wonder  to  many  of  you,  because  of  the  righteous  and  just  judgments 
of  God,  that  on  the  head  and  ground  of  transgression  in  me  had  taken 
hold;  which  dreadful  judgments  were  so  fierce  within  my  heart,  that 
I  cried  out  and  roared  because  of  the  disquietness  thereof;  who  also  eat 
my  bread  with  trembling,  and  drank  my  water  with  astonishment,  and 
fearfulness  pursued  me,  for  a  season,  in  whatsoever  I  took  in  hand;  in 
whose  judgments  I  now  rejoice.  Glory  to  the  Lord  God  forever  ;  who 
thought  before,  I  was  safe  from  fear,  and  in  a  far  better  condition  than 
many  of  you;  and  I  also  know,  I  lived  nearer  the  witness  of  God  in  my 
conscience,  than  many  of  mine  equals;  who  could  not  commit  evil,  but 
was  suddenly  reproved,  and  often  repented  and  wept,  when  I  had  been 
rash  or  any  untowardness  proceeded  from  me.  And  I  also  feared  an  oath; 
and  in  the  midst  of  my  vain  and  light  thoughts  and  foolish  gestures,  my 
heart  was  often  struck  sad  by  the  witness  of  God  in  my  conscience, 
(though  then  I  knew  not  what  it  was,)  which  some  of  you  can  witness 
who  did  take  notice  of  my  behaviour,  at  which  the  wrong  ground  in  some 
was  troubled.  And  also,  I  have  your  testimony  of  me  under  your  hand 
and  seal  of  magistracy  in  that  town,  (but  in  this  I  glory  not,)  that  I  lived 
as  a  religious,  circumspect  man,  when  I  was  a  prisoner  at  Exon,  who  like 
an  innocent  lamb  was  taken  up  in  the  highway  as  a  vagabond  and  wan- 
derer, going  to  visit  the  dear  servants  of  God  who  were  in  prison  at  Lans- 
ton  in  Cornwall,  by  an  unrighteous  decree,  made  by  the  ravening  spirits  in 
earthly  rulers,  who  kept  me  prisoner  also  about  ten  weeks  for  wearing 

6 


42 


my  hat  when  brought  before  them:  which  subtile  foxes,  like  envious 
dragons,  thought  to  have  devoured,  by  their  snares  of  cruelty,  the 
man-child,  that  God  is  bringing  forth  to  be  the  ruler  and  governor  over 
the  nations  of  the  earth;  whose  right  it  is,  and  he  shall  reign  over  the 
world,  notwithstanding  all  the  decrees,  traps,  snares,  and  laws,  made 
by  the  will  of  man,  and  haughty  powers  of  darkness,  or  the  envy  and 
rage  of  ungodly  men,  who  rise  up  with  open  mouth  like  a  flood,  to 
swallow  up  the  simple  hearted;  of  whom  I  received  hatred  for  my  love. 
As  also  from  many  of  you  have  I  borne  reproach,  false  accusations, 
revilings,  and  persecutions;  but  I  was  enabled,  with  patience  in  the 
mercy  of  God,  to  bear  it  in  long  suffering  and  meekness,  and,  for  the 
sake  of  his  precious  truth,  and  your  souls,  could  I  have  laid  down  my 
life  amongst  you,  whom  I  freely  forgive  in  the  bowels  of  mercy  of  all 
that  ever  you  have  acted  and  spoken  against  me;  if  it  had  been  much 
more,  the  Lord  God  knoweth  I  lie  not;  for  I  know  you  did  it  ignorantly 
in  unbelief,  and  rashly,  being  moved  with  the  power  of  darkness;  not 
knowing  nor  considering  what  you  did  therein.  Therefore  do  I  look 
beyond  all  your  ignorance,  pride,  and  wrathfulness,  praying  unto  God, 
and  desiring  that  these  things  may  not  be  laid  to  your  charge.  And  my 
soul  reacheth  forth  unto  your  souls,  and  my  bowels  are  pained  for  you; 
yea,  with  pangs  of  contrition  of  heart  do  I  travail  for  the  sake  of  the 
seed  of  God  in  you  all.  Oh!  that  my  life  might  reach  to  your  very  souls, 
that  they  might  arise  from  the  dead,  and  stand  up  in  the  righteous 
power  of  the  light  and  life  of  God!  Then  should  I  see  the  desire  and 
travail  of  my  soul  brought  forth  among  you,  who  in  the  bowels  of  dear 
love  have  wept  bitterly  with  tears  in  secret  for  you,  the  Lord  is  witness; 
of  which  many  of  you  are  not  sensible,  neither  prize  the  love  and  mercy 
of  God  herein.  Oh!  consider,  before  the  day  of  your  visitation  be 
utterly  passed  away,  and  before  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets,  and 
the  clouds  return  after  the  rain,  and  the  day  come  unawares  wherein  the 
strong  man  will  be  bound  down  to  the  dust,  and  the  keepers  of  the  house 
tremble,  and  the  virgins  lament  and  weep  bitterly  because  there  is 
no  comforter;  and  before  the  golden  bowl  is  broken,  and  the  silver  cord 
loosed;  when  all  your  strength  and  understanding  will  be  as  weak  as 
water;  when  sorrow  of  heart,  and  perplexity  of  mind,  with  unspeakable 
pangs  of  death,  will  seize  upon  you:  I  say,  before  this  day  cometh, 
deeply  consider  and  think  of  God's  dear  love  in  calling  unto  you  to 
repent  from  the  evil  of  your  ways,  and  to  awake  out  of  the  deep  sleep 
which  many  of  you  are  covered  with.  Oh!  slight  not  this  your  day, 
wherein  God  is  tendering  his  everlasting  mercies  and  loving  kindness 
to  a  people  that  seek  not  after  him,  nor  ask  for  him.  But  he  is  yet 
seeking  you,  even  your  souls'  eternal  peace,  that  you  should  live  for- 
ever, and  not  die  in  your  sins.    Then  wo  would  be  your  portion,  and 


43 


misery,  and  unspeakable  restlessness  and  unquietness  will  be  the  lot  of 
your  inheritance  forever;  for  the  righteous  witness  of  God  in  your  con- 
sciences, manifesteth  plainly  unto  you,  when  you  are  still  and  quiet, 
that  there  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked.  Neither  in  that  state  shall  you 
ever  be  reconciled  unto  God,  because  all  unrighteousness  is  sin,  and  sin 
is  of  the  power  of  darkness,  which  is  at  enmity  with  the  light,  and 
is  the  work  and  fruit  of  the  devil,  whom  God  will  destroy  with  them 
that  love  it  forever  and  ever.  And,  wo  to  the  wicked;  it  shall  go  ill 
with  them;  for  the  fruit  of  their  own  hands  shall  be  recompensed  unto 
them:  and  wo,  from  the  Lord  God,  unto  them  that  through  deceit  and 
covetousness  keep  you  in  blindness  and  ignorance,  and  in  that  state 
cry  peace  unto  you,  while  you  put  in  their  mouths!  0  dear  people, 
they  are  your  destroyers,  and  the  murderers  of  your  souls  forever, 
except  you  turn  to  the  pure  light  of  Christ,  which  in  your  consciences 
shineth,  which  reproveth  for  iniquity,  and  be  obedient  thereunto,  to  be 
led  out  oT  all  sin  and  uncleanness,  (wherein  you  can  never  be  reconciled 
unto  God,)  and  that  you  might  come  to  know,  and  walk  in  the  pure 
religion,  and  to  keep  yourselves  unspotted  from  the  world.  For  this 
I  eternally  witness,  and  am  moved  of  the  Lord  of  heaven  to  declare  it  unto 
you,  that  "  without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord;"  and  that  your 
teachers,  the  hirelings,  are  the  deceivers  and  destroyers  of  the  rest 
of  your  souls,  and  will  be  so  long  as  you  follow  them,  .who  are  out  of 
the  right  way  of  God  themselves,  and  are  erred  from,  and  enemies  to 
the  eternal  spirit  of  truth,  by  which  all  the  sons  and  daughters  of  God 
are  led  and  guided  into  the  everlasting  life  of  peace,  to  rest  with  him 
forevermore. 

O  ye,  my  neighbours,  and  friends!  the  day  of  God's  everlasting  love  is 
come,  wherein  he  is  revealing  himself  to  the  meek  of  the  earth,  in 
power  and  great  glory;  and  he  is  risen  to  subdue  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  powers  of  darkness,  and  many  are  turned,  and  come  to  the  bright- 
ness of  his  rising.  Glory,  and  honour,  and  praise  to  his  eternal  name 
forever  and  ever.  0  all  people !  consider  your  latter  end,  and  do  not 
deceive  your  own  souls  by  foolish  flatteries,  and  vain  deceitful  hopes, 
without  the  light  and  life  of  God;  but  ponder  deeply,  and  consider  these 
things:  if  you  are  lovers  of  the  light  in  your  consciences,  that  reproveth 
sin,  then  you  love  God,  even  that  which  lets  you  see  the  whole  world 
lie  in  wickedness,  and  also  showeth  man  his  thoughts  every  moment. 
I  say  if  thou  art  obedient,  and  subject  thereunto,  then  art  thou  in  the 
way  of  God,  which  is  the  way  of  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall 
ever  know  peace  with  God,  who  is  a  pure  spiritual  being  of  light  and 
life  in  man,  in  whose  way  of  peace  only  they  walk,  who  are  redeemed 
from  the  earth  and  earthliness.  For  the  life  of  the  son  of  God  shaketh 
terribly  the  earthly  part;  and  he  came  not  to  give  peace  to  that,  but 


44 


brings  a  sword  upon  the  carnal:  for  "to  be  carnally-minded  is  death." 
So  he  slayeth  only  that  which  is  for  the  slaughter,  in  all  that  love  and 
embrace  his  light  of  life,  who,  in  his  dear  love  to  your  souls,  hath  given 
you  a  measure  of  it  into  your  consciences,  to  let  you  see  when  you  do 
act  or  speak  any  evil,  and  that  also  to  depart,  and  be  led  by  it  out 
of  all  that  which  it  showeth  to  be  evil,  that  so  iniquity  may  not  be 
your  souls'  ruin.  Oh!  weigh  and  consider  deeply  this  great  love  of  God, 
before  you  go  down  into  silence  forevermore,  and  leave  your  name  for 
a  curse  of  your  rebellion  against  him,  and  the  day  of  your  visitation! 
For  if  thou  hatest  that  in  thee,  which  lets  thee  see  thy  sins,  which  breaks 
thy  peace,  and  sometimes  makes  thee  afraid,  and  troubles  thee  for  it, 
which  is  God's  witness,  thou  then  hatest  God,  and  Christ,  and  the  spirit, 
and  ways  of  God,  and  the  people  of  God;  and  to  all  such  Jerusalem  is 
become  a  burdensome  stone,  as  it  is  to  many  at  this  day,  who  are  lovers 
of  pleasure  more  than  God,  and  love  darkness  rather  than  light,  because 
their  deeds  are  evil.  But  this  I  testify  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  God 
of  hosts,  the  light  is  the  way,  and  there  is  no  other,  to  eternal  life 
and  peace;  and  all  that  hate  it,  wherewith  they  are  enlightened,  shall 
be  condemned  with  it,  as  enemies  to  God  and  their  own  souls,  whe- 
ther priests  or  people,  professors  or  profane,  all  that  burden  them- 
selves with  that  which  condemneth  sin  in  the  flesh,  shall  be  cut  off 
forever. 

And  now,  what  could  the  Lord  God  have  done  unto  you,  that  he  hath 
not  done,  who  hath  given  his  only  begotten  son  wholighteth  every  man, 
unto  whom  a  manifestation  is  given,  whether  male  or  female,  high  or 
low,  poor  or  rich,  bond  or  free,  old  or  young!  God  is  rich  unto  all,  in 
giving  his  unspeakable  gift  unto  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men,  with- 
out respect  of  persons,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him,  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life  and  peace. 

A  ?vord  to  them  who  are  called  Anabaptists. 

Now  a  word  unto  you,  who  among  men  are  called  by  the  name 
Anabaptists,  with  whom  formerly,  for  a  season,  I  had  my  conversation. 
For  many  of  you  have  I  prayed  with  tears  unto  God,  and  have  endea- 
voured, as  the  Lord  of  life  hath  moved  me,  to  turn  you  from  darkness 
to  the  light,  and  from  your  dead  form  of  ignorant  worship  to  the  true 
knowledge  of  the  living  God,  who  is  immortal,  dwelling  in  the  light;  in 
which  worship  for  a  time,  as  many  of  you  are,  was  zealous  to  what  I 
knew  from  the  scripture  of  truth,  who  have  sometimes  prayed  and  cried 
unto  the  unknown  God  with  tears,  (yea,  night  and  day,)  strongly  ima- 


45 


gining  and  believing  that  he  heard  me,  without  at  a  distance  from  me; 
and  many  times  from  his  meek  life  in  me,  rising  up  through  the  dark- 
ness, did  I  both  preach  and  pray,  and  knew  not  the  ground  from  whence 
it  came,  but  after  thought  it  was  because  I  professed  his  name  in 
obeying  that  which  we  thought  had  been  commanded  us  in  the  scripture 
of  truth:  not  thinking  the  kingdom  of  God  to  be  even  at  the  doors,  and 
that  the  light  of  Christ  in  the  conscience,  (which  I  knew  not  then, 
being  small,)  was  the  seed  of  the  kingdom,  by  which  it  should  be  re- 
vealed, within  in  the  inward  parts,  in  spirit,  and  life,  and  power.  But 
our  eyes  were  without,  and  not  in  our  head,  looking  for  a  saviour  to 
come  from  beyond  the  skies,  or  at  the  ends  of  the  earth  without  us, 
whose  coming  now  I  know  is  not  with  observation,  or  outwardly;  but 
in  the  spirit  within  is  he  revealed  to  them  that  patiently  wait  for  him, 
who  works  our  good  works  for  us  and  in  us:  praises  to  his  powerful 
name  forever. 

And  now,  friends,  let  my  words  be  received  in  love  to  the  precious 
seed  of  God,  which  within  you  in  bondage  lieth,  who  seeketh  not  any 
thing  of  any  of  you,  but  the  eternal  peace  of  your  souls,  to  which  that 
of  God  in  all  you  for  me  will  witness,  in  the  terrible  day  of  trial,  of 
which  I  now  warn  you,  that  you  might  escape  the  fierceness  of  it,  which 
will  come  with  his  mighty,  strong,  and  piercing  sword,  to  cut  down  and 
destroy  all  groves,  green  trees,  and  graven  images,  and  none  shall  be 
able  to  withstand  his  fury,  who  is  now  risen  as  a  burning  fire,  to  try 
every  man's  work,  of  what  sort  it  is.  Therefore  fear  before  him,  for  in 
that  day  will  your  forms  and  fellowships  be  broken  in  pieces  like  an 
earthen  pitcher  against  a  stone;  for  the  stone  which  you  have  left  out 
in  your  building,  (which  is  cut  out  without  hands,)  will  dash  in  pieces 
your  image,  whose  feet  are  clay  and  iron,  (which  cannot  be  joined  nor 
fitly  framed  together,)  by  whom  the  height  and  glory  of  it  shall  be 
confounded  forever.  This  may  seem  a  hard  saying  to  many  of  you, 
which  some  will  not  be  able  to  bear.  But  this  I  declare,  in  faithfulness 
to  God,  and  love  to  your  souls,  and  to  clear  my  conscience  in  his  sight, 
(which  will  be  known  to  be  an  everlasting  truth  of  God,)  that  you,  with 
the  rest  of  the  blind  and  deceived  ones,  call  darkness  light,  and  put 
light  for  darkness,  and  bitter  for  sweet,  and  sweet  for  bitter,  and  call 
that  a  temptation,  which  is  the  true  light  of  the  son  of  the  living  God, 
which  shines  in  your  consciences,  and  striveth  many  times  in  secret 
with  you,  against  your  lusts  and  wills,  and  dead  and  barren  forms  of 
worship,  and  conformity  to  the  heathenish  customs  and  traditions,  and 
would  draw  you  with  the  cords  of  his  love,  to  wait  on  him  in  silence,  from 
all  vain  babblings  and  lip  sacrifices,  to  receive  power  from  the  Lord 
God  of  infinite  power  and  life,  to  overcome  the  sin  which  oppresseth 
the  precious  seed.  And  he  would  have  gathered  you,  as  a  hen  gather- 


46 


eth  her  young  under  her  wings,  but  you  refuse  when  he  calleth,  because 
you  know  not  his  voice;  but  call  him  the  enemy  who  is  the  saviour; 
and  his  strivings  in  you  against  the  ground  of  iniquity,  you  call  a 
combat  with  satan.  O  friends!  consider,  is  it  not  the  light  of  the  son 
of  God,  that  letteth  you  see  your  nakedness,  who  taste  of  that  which 
is  forbidden?  And  doth  not  the  voice  of  God  make  afraid  after  trans- 
gression, who  never  did  nor  ever  will  speak  peace  to  the  wicked? 
And  how  can  you,  who  live  in  that  which  is  contrary  to  his  light  in 
your  consciences,  have  peace  with  him,  or  be  reconciled  to  him?  But 
he  that  joineth  with  God's  enemy,  let  him  answer  it:  and  he  that 
hateth  the  light,  that  showeth  every  evil  thought,  will  be  by  it  con- 
demned. And  I  know  you  have  no  true  peace,  nor  ever  shall,  so  long 
as  the  root  of  iniquity  lieth  hid  in  your  hearts;  therefore  search  and 
see,  and  let  the  witness  of  God  in  you  arise  and  answer,  and  deal  faith- 
fully, as  in  the  presence  of  God,  with  your  own  souls,  and  deceive  not 
yourselves,  whether  or  no  you  can  say,  you  are  joined  and  become  one 
spirit  with  the  Lord  of  life;  or  whether  your  fellowship,  as  you  call  it, 
be  not  after  the  flesh,  in  things  that  the  carnal  man  may  receive,  and 
the  visible  eye  behold,  and  the  natural  man  perceive,  who  cannot 
discern,  understand,  nor  perceive  the  things  of  the  spirit  of  God.  And 
your  worship,  at  the  best,  is  but  will-worship,  or  voluntary  humility, 
worshipping  in  your  own  wili  and  time,  by  course  and  custom,  both  in 
your  praying  and  preaching,  and  such  like  things,  much  like  the  hire- 
ling priests,  who  are  both  separated  from  the  life  of  God,  and  strangers 
to  him,  in  the  sensual,  having  not  the  spirit. 

For  it  is  not  your  peace  and  joy  above  the  seed  of  God,  which  is 
meek  and  low  in  the  heart,  that  will  stand  you  in  stead  in  the  day  of 
trial;  for  that  is  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite,  (above  the  life  of  God,)  which 
is  but  for  a  moment;  but  come  you  all  down  into  the  valley  of  tears, 
and  bear  and  suffer  with  the  precious  groaning  seed,  which  yet  in  bon- 
dage lieth  in  you,  that  so  its  joy  you  may  come  to  know,  which  no  man 
can  take  from  you — and  come  to  know  the  Immanuel,  God  with  us, 
and  Christ  in  us.  And  he  that  preacheth  any  other  saviour,  gospel,  or 
way  to  eternal  salvation,but  the  Immanuel  the  son  of  God, his  life, power, 
and  wisdom  in  him,  to  redeem  his  soul,  (which  is  in  him,)  from  the  curse, 
wrath,  and  power  of  darkness,  which  is  in  man; — yea,  I  say,  if  an  angel 
should  preach  contrary  to  this  gospel,  the  light  and  power  of  God,  which 
is  everlasting,  whose  foundation  in  man  is  already  laid;  I  say,  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  God  he  is  accursed.  For  this  testimony  I  bear 
from  the  eternal  life  and  power  of  God,  that  the  saviour  of  man's  soul, 
which  is  spiritual,  is  a  pure,  spiritual  power  of  life  and  infinite  love, 
wrought  in  man,  through  the  light,  in  all  them  that  wait  in  the  upright- 
ness and  quietness  of  their  spirits,  in  the  simplicity  of  their  hearts;  and 


47 


whosoever  preacheth  or  causeth  people  to  believe  their  saviour  is  with- 
out them,  and  that  the  carnal  eye  may  behold  his  glory,  (who  is  to  be 
revealed,)  and  that  he  will  come  and  save  people,  according  to  their 
conceivings  and  carnal  comprehensions,  who  profess  the  scriptures,  or 
his  commands  therein  written,  though  found  in  sins  and  pollutions,  and 
cover  themselves  by  calling  it  failings,  infirmities,  and  weaknesses; — 
I  say,  whosoever  preacheth  to  people  of  a  saviour  without  them,  while 
the  light  of  Christ  condemns  within  them;  and  of  a  kingdom  without 
them,  while  the  kingdom  of  God  suffereth  violence  within  them;  and  of 
redemption  of  the  soul  wrought  without  them,  though  their  sins  remain 
in  them;  and  that  their  rest  cannot  be  known, until  their  outward  visible 
bodies  be  ready  to  be  laid  in  the  grave;  I  charge  all  such  in  the  name  of 
the  most  high  God,  to  be  horrible  blasphemers,  and  ministers  and  mes- 
sengers of  the  devil,  and  are  the  deceivers,  and  instruments  of  the 
eternal  destruction  of  the  souls  of  ignorant  people,  which  will  be  eter- 
nally witnessed  and  known  unto  them  who  are  the  deceivers  and  the 
deceived. 

Therefore,  friends,  in  the  fear  of  God,,  and  in  bowels  of  eternal  love, 
do  I  warn  you  of,  and  declare  unto  you,  that  which  will  certainly  come 
to  pass;  even  a  bitter  cup  have  you  all  to  drink,  though  you  seem  to 
drink  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  rejoice  in  what  Christ  hath  done  for  you, 
without  you,  talk  much  of  it,  and  of  his  commands  and  ordinances, 
and  of  your  own  experiences,  and  seem  to  have  whereof  to  boast;  and 
you  pray,  preach,  baptize,  break  the  carnal  bread:  but  the  weightier 
matters  and  the  bread  of  life  you  are  strangers  to,  and  you  pass  over 
judgment,  and  the  love  of  God  unto  you  is  not  known,  who  hate  his 
light,  which  would  reform  you,  and  bring  you  to  know  mercy,  and  the 
faith  which  is  held  in  a  pure  conscience,  of  which  many  of  you,  since 
your  eyes  were  first  opened,  have  made  shipwreck,  and  now  are  found 
striving  against  it  in  the  sea  of  confusion  and  darkness.  But  as  sure  as 
the  Lord  liveth,  who  made  the  world,  a  cup  of  trembling  and  astonish- 
ment, and  carefulness  shall  you  drink  of,  before  you  shall  drink  of  the 
new  wine  in  the  Father's  kingdom  of  eternal  peace;  and  the  judgments 
of  God  in  the  earth  must  you  come  to  know,  before  the  people  will 
learn  righteousness.  Therefore,  consider  and  repent,  and  do  your  first 
works,  and  slight  not  the  day  of  your  visitation,  and  turn  your  minds 
to  the  light  of  Christ  in  your  consciences,  by  which  you  see  sin  and 
evil,  and  where  your  thoughts  are  every  moment;  by  which  light  you 
first  saw  the  hireling  priests  to  be  out  of  the  way  of  God,  and  in  igno- 
rance and  will-worship,  in  covetousness,  envy,  pride,  and  pleasures. 
And  there  was  something  stirred  in  many  of  you  in  plain  simplicity, 
which  caused  you  to  judge  and  deny  their  practices  and  vain  worship; 
but  the  savour  of  that  is  now  lost  among  you,  and  its  call  is  become  a 


48 


strange  voice  unto  you,  and  you  are  stuck  now  fast  in  the  mire  of  dead 
forms  and  carnal  things,  and  in  the  many  tattling  words  without  know- 
ledge, which  darken  the  counsel  of  that  which  would  give  you  life,  and 
the  knowledge  of  God,  and  a  hand  of  love  to  help  you  forth  of  the  miry 
clay,  with  which  you  are  laden.  And  many  of  you  are  ready  to  join 
with  the  hireling  priests  again,  and  have  the  persons  of  persecutors, 
who  persecute  the  life  of  God,  in  admiration  because  of  advantage,  and 
are  men  pleasers;  and  many  of  you  do  join  with  them  against  the  truth, 
(whose  light  judgeth  and  condemneth  you  for  it,)  and  are  mustering 
up  all  your  force  of  craft  and  subtilty  to  make  war  against  the  lamb 
and  his  plain  simplicity. 

O  friends!  be  you  warned  once  more,  from  the  dear  love  of  God,  to 
embrace  the  light  of  life,  lest  you  die  with  the  uncircumcised  in  heart 
and  ears;  for  from  the  life  of  God  are  you  warned,  and  exhorted  in 
tender  love  to  your  souls,  which  will  stand  a  witness  for  the  Lord,  and 
of  my  faithfulness  herein  forever.  And  did  you  see  the  captivity  of 
your  own  souls,  you  would  then  hasten  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  way 
of  his  judgments,  without  which  his  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies 
to  you  will  never  be  made  known.  Wherefore  cease  striving  to  keep 
up  the  dead  form  or  image,  and  contending  and  standing  against,  inas- 
much as  in  you  lieth,  the  life  and  truth,  which  are  required  in  the  inward 
parts;  for  the  Lord  God  will  search  and  try  you,  your  foundation  and 
ground,  to  the  uttermost,  and  know  what  is  in  your  hearts;  even  the 
very  secret  thoughts  thereof  shall  be  brought  to  the  light,  and  see  how 
you  can  stand  in  the  consuming  fire;  for  terrible  and  dreadful  do  I 
know  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God  to  be  to  that  ground  wherein  sin 
lodgeth,  which  cannot  stand  in  his  judgments,  nor  abide  the  fiery  trial 

Some  queries  given  forth  from  the  spirit  of  truth,  to  be  answered 
by  the  witness  of  God  in  their  consciences,  who  profess  the  scrip- 
tures  only,  but  know  not  the  life  that  gave  them  forth. 

I.  Whether  God  be  not  the  creator  and  former  of  every  thing?  and 
whether  he  be  not  a  spirit  of  power,  light,  love,  knowledge,  and  under- 
standing, &c?  and  whether  the  former  of  the  spirit  of  man  be  not 
within  him,  seeing  that  man  might  feel  after  him,  and  find  him? 

II.  Whether  that  place  be  near  unto  the  spirit  of  man  where  Christ 
sitteth,  seeing  the  apostle  did  exhort  people,  while  they  were  here 
upon  the  earth,  to  seek  the  things  that  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth 
at  the  right  hand  of  God?  or  whether  it  be  such  a  distance,  as  above 
the  stars  or  firmament,  where  man  was  neither  created  or  appointed 


49 


to  go  or  seek?  or  whether  it  be  possible  for  man  to  seek  and  find  that 
which  saveth  the  soul,  at  such  a  distance  from  him?  Yea  or  nay. 

III.  Whether  Christ  Jesus  be  not  the  only  begotten  son  of  God,  and 
the  elect,  in  whom  his  soul  delighteth?  and  whether  there  be  any  elec- 
tion out  of  him,  who  is  the  elect,  precious,  and  corner-stone?  And 
whether  any  building  can  stand  forever,  which  is  not  built  upon  this 
rock  and  foundation?  and  whether  he,  who  is  the  sure  foundation,  did 
not  sav,  "I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world?"  and  whether  he  lighteth 
not  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  who  said,  "Believe  in  the 
light, that  you  may  be  the  children  of  the  light;"  and  "yet  a  little  while 
is  the  light  with  you;  walk  while  you  have  the  light,  lest  darkness  come 
upon  you?" 

IV.  Whether  all  such  who  deny  the  light  do  not  deny  the  son  of  God, 
and  the  sure  foundation,  and  the  precious  corner-stone,  and  the  elect, 
in  whom  his  soul  delighteth?  And  whether  they  obey  Christ's  com- 
mands, and  are  believers,  who  believe  not  in  the  light  ?  and  whether  they 
who  refuse  the  light  of  Christ,  refuse  not  him  from  whence  it  comes? 
and  whether  he  be  not  the  heir  who  is  the  light?  and  whether  he  be 
not  refused,  (who  lighteth  every  man.)  by  all  the  wise  builders,  who 
are  in  many  opinions,  imaginations,  and  conceivings  about  him?  Yea  or 
nay. 

V.  Whether  he  be  not  the  life  and  substance  of  all  shadows,  types, 
and  figures,  outward  and  carnal  ordinances,  and  commandments?  and 
whether  it  was  not  his  life,  who  is  the  light,  that  was  (in,  yet)  hid 
from  many  ages  and  generations  ?  and  whether  it  was  not  this  rock 
which  followed  them  in  the  wilderness?  and  whether  it  was  not  the 
spirit  and  life  of  Christ,  that  moved  in  them  who  gave  forth  the  scrip- 
tures? and  whether  they  did  not  speak  as  they  were  moved  by  the 
holy  spirit  of  Christ  in  them?  and  whether  they  do  understand  the  scrip- 
tures, or  have  any  profit  by  them,  or  any  thing  to  do  with  them,  as  to 
claim  theirs,  who  are  in  darkness,  and  strangers  to  the  life  of  God,  wrhich 
gave  them  forth?  Let  God's  witness  in  you  all  arise  and  judge. 

VI.  Whether  they  who  are  in  the  imaginations,  conceivings,  and 
many  opinions  about  the  body  and  spirit  of  Christ,  and  his  kingdom, 
and  reign,  and  coming,  and  glory,  be  not  out  of  the  light  which  giveth 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ?  and 
whether  such  have  received  the  spirit  of  truth,  that  leadeth  into  all 
truth,  and  showeth  plainly  of  the  Father,  and  need  not  that  any  man 
teach  them?  Yea  or  nay. 

VII.  "W  hether  they  have  any  eternal  life  in  them,  who  eat  not  the 
flesh,  and  drink  not  the  blood  of  the  son  of  God?  and  whether  the  blood 
be  not  the  life?  and  whether  it  be  not  the  life  of  Christ  that  cleanseth 
from  all  sin,  and  saveth  from  wrath  to  come?  and  whether  any  are  re- 

7 


deemed,  but  by  the  blood  of  Christ  ?  and  whether  Sion  is  redeemed  with- 
out judgment?  and  whether  he  came  to  bring  peace  or  a  sword  to  that 
which  is  earthly?  and  what  nation  that  is  that  riseth  against  nation,  and 
what  kingdom  that  is  that  riseth  against  kingdom,  seeing  the  son  of  God 
saith  to  the  Pharisees,  "Behold,  the  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you?"  and 
where  and  by  whom  the  kingdom  of  God  did  suffer  violence?  and  whether 
any  unclean  thing  can  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God?  Yea  or  nay. 

VIII.  Whether  they  are  not  the  true  ministers  who  preach  the  word 
that  is  nigh  in  the  heart  and  in  the  mouth?  and  whether  the  word  of 
God  be  not  like  fire,  and  like  a  hammer,  to  break  the  rocks  in  pieces? 
and  whether  the  word  which  is  quick  and  powerful,  be  not  the  discerner 
of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart?  and  whether  the  word  that 
reconcileth  to  God,  is  not  to  destroy  and  divide  asunder  that  which  is 
contrary  to  him,  which  separates  man  from  him?  Yea  or  nay. 

IX.  Whether  that  be  not  the  true  and  faithful  ministry  of  God, 
which  bringeth  this  message,  that  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no 
darkness  at  all;  and  which  turneth  the  minds  of  the  people  from  dark7 
ness  to  the  light,  and  from  the  power  of  satan  unto  God?  Yea  or  nay. 

X.  Whether  he  who  said,  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  be  not 
the  sure  foundation,  the  rock  and  corner-stone,  the  door  and  way,  the 
lamb,  the  truth,  the  life,  the  word,  the  power  of  God,  and  wisdom,  and 
righteousness  of  God,  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  the  heir  of  all 
things?  And  whether  this  was  not  the  mystery  hid  and  veiled  from 
ages  and  generations,  which  is  Christ  in  man  the  hope  of  glory?  and 
whether  he  be  not  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  who  lighteth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world?  and  whether  it  was  not  Jesus  that 
said,  I  am  the  light,  believe  in  the  light?  and  whether  every  knee  shall 
not  bow  unto  him,  and  whether  every  tongue  shall  not  confess  him  to 
be  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father ! 

XI.  Whether  he  who  is  the  saviour  be  not  full  of  grace  and  truth?  and 
whether  the  grace  of  God,  which  bringeth  salvation,  hath  not  appeared 
unto  all  men?  and  whether  the  salvation  of  the  soul  be  not  worked  out 
with  fear  and  trembling?  and  whether  it  be  not  God  that  worketh  in 
such,  both  to  will  and  to  do,  of  his  own  good  pleasure?  Yea  or  nay. 

XII.  Whether  the  soul  of  man  be  not  an  immortal  being  in  him? 
and  whether  God  did  not  breathe  the  breath  of  his  own  life  into  it?  and 
whether  man  went  not  into  darkness,  when  he  went  forth  from  the 
light  of  life  within  him?  and  whether  he  died  not  from  the  life  of  God 
in  the  day  he  transgressed  against  him?  and  where  was  that  breath, 
and  whence  came  that  voice  which  he  heard,  who  had  transgressed, 
and  was  afraid  thereat?  and  whether  that  were  light  or  darkness  that 
showed  him  his  nakedness  ?  Yea  or  nay. 

XIII.  Where  was  that  garden  wherein  man  was  a  living  soul?  and 


51 


what  was  the  tree  of  life,  which  was  in  the  midst  thereof  ?  and  what 
was  that  serpent  that  beguiled  and  deceived  them?  and  whether  the 
soul  of  man  which  is  in  him  must  be  saved,  or  helped  out  of  its  dark- 
ness by  something  at  a  distance  from  him,  or  without  him?  Or  whether 
it  must  not  be  a  mighty  power  of  light,  life,  and  love  within  him,  to 
save  and  help  him,  seeing  the  powers  of  wrath  and  darkness  are  found 
in  him,  and  man's  enemies  are  those  of  his  own  house? 

XIV.  Whether  all  they  who  do  not  witness  nor  know  Christ  in  them, 
who  is  the  saviour,  are  not  reprobates,  and  so  in  the  state  of  reprobation. 

XV.  Whether  they  are  in  the  faith  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Lord  of  glory,  who  are  in  that  which  respecteth  persons?  and  whether 
he  that  breaks  the  law  in  one  point,  is  not  guilty  of  all?  and  whether 
he  that  seemeth  to  be  religious,  and  is  not  guided  by  that  which  bridleth 
the  tongue,  be  not  in  the  religion  and  faith  which  are  vain,  and  so  yet 
in  his  sins?  Yea  or  nay. 

XVI.  Whether  they  who  are  yet  in  their  sins,  be  not  in  that  which 
teparateth  between  God  and  man?  and  whether  they  who  are  separat- 
ed from  God,  are  reconciled  to  him  ?  and  whether  he  or  they,  who  are 
not  reconciled  to  God,  can  preach  the  word  of  reconciliation  to  others? 
and  whether  Christ  Jesus  be  not  the-  word  of  reconciliation,  who  said, 
I  am  the  light  of  the  world?    Yea  or  nay. 

A  Word  unto  all  such  who  live  in  lustful,  riotous  practices. 

Is  not  the  lake  of  fire  and  everlasting  torment  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels?  and  is  it  not  also  the  portion  of  all  the  cursed  children? 
and  are  not  they  the  angels  of  the  devil,  and  his  ministering  spirits, 
who  do  his  pleasure?  And  do  not  they  do  his  pleasure,  who  live  in  riot- 
ing, and  drunkenness,  and  chambering,  and  wantonness,  pride  and  envy, 
sports  and  pleasures,  and  lust  of  uncleanness,  which  are  his  works  ?  and 
are  not  they  cursed  children,  who  cannot  cease  from,  but  delight  in 
sins,  &c? 

And  are  not  they  the  sons  of  the  sorceress,  and  the  seed  of  the  adult- 
erer and  the  whore,  that  sport  themselves  in  their  wickedness,  and 
make  a  wide  mouth,  even  with  drunken  songs,  against  the  innocent? 
Are  you  not  of  that  generation,  who  derided  and  laughed  the  poor  up- 
right man  to  scorn?  And  is  not  the  seed  of  David  now  become  the  song 
of  drunkards,  and  the  sport  and  music  of  a  sinful  and  rebellious  gene- 
ration? O  thou  great  red  dragon!  thou  old  serpent,  who  art  called 
the  devil  and  satan  !  how  hast  thou  filled  <hv  children  with  wickedness, 


52 


and  armed  them  with  the  weapons  of  ungodliness,  to  fight  against  the 
lamb,  who  is  the  light,  and  to  slay  the  faithful  and  true  witness,  which 
beareth  witness  against  the  deeds  of  darkness,  and  all  unrighteousness ! 
O  ye  sons  of  Babylon!  your  bodies  are  not  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
but  a  habitation  of  devils,  and  a  hold  of  every  foul  spirit,  and  a  cage 
of  unclean  and  hateful  birds.  Your  songs  are  to  be  turned  into  howl- 
ing ;  for  you  shall  sink  like  a  mill-stone,  into  the  bottomless  pit  and  sea 
of  confusion,  forever.  Then  will  the  voice  of  melody  cease,  and  the 
noise  of  your  songs  will  be  heard  no  more  at  all ;  but  instead  thereof 
bitter  lamentation  forever :  and  instead  of  taking  pleasure  in  rioting 
and  drunkenness,  flames  of  everlasting  burnings  will  be  kindled  within 
you,  and  your  bowels  and  heart  shall  be  scorched  with  heat,  and  a  per- 
petual drought,  in  the  pit  wherein  is  no  water.  And  instead  of  living 
at  ease,  in  the  lusts  of  uncleanness,  you  shall  then  feel  an  everlasting 
sting  of  plagues  and  miserable  torments.  Then  shall  you  remember 
that  you  had  a  day  of  visitation,  and  warning  in  your  lifetime ;  and 
then  shall  you  know,  that  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  arc  and  shall  be 
made  manifest  and  judged  by  him,  who  by  you  is  now  trod  under  foot, 
even  the  light  and  lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of  your  world,  who 
are  the  children  of  this  world,  that  lie  in  wickedness.  With  you  the 
spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  grieved ;  for  you  have  laden  him  with  your 
iniquities,  and  he  is  grieved  at  his  heart.  Ah !  sinful  generation,  a  seed 
of  evil-doers,  begotten  by  the  serpent,  the  deceiver  and  destroyer  of  the 
nations  that  know  not  God.  Oh !  how  dreadful  will  the  Lord  God  ap- 
pear, in  the  day  when  he  ariseth  up  to  pour  forth  upon  you  his  fierce 
indignation  !  Oh !  the  unspeakable  torment,  wo,  and  misery,  that  the 
Lord  God  will  fill  you  with  in  that  day,  wherein  no  help  for  you  will 
be  found,  whose  laughter  then  will  be  rewarded  with  weeping  and 
gnashing  of  teeth  forever.  Then  shall  you  cry  for  help,  and  carefully 
seek  a  resting  place,  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  perpetual  torment,  but 
none  for  you  will  there  be  found.  So,  there  will  you  behold  the  state 
of  your  father  Esau,  who  sought  the  birth-right  afterwards,  when  it 
was  too  late.  Consider  this,  all  ye  that  forget  God,  and  who  put  the 
day  of  the  Lord  afar  off,  and  cause  the  seat  of  violence  to  come  near. 
Oh!  the  darkness,  the  fearfulness,  and  the  dreadfulness,  that  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  God  you  shall  be  turned  into :  for  you  have  taken 
pleasure  to  riot  in  the  day-time,  while  the  true  light  shiheth,  which 
showeth  and  convinceth  you  of  your  ungodly  deeds,  and  is  the  condem- 
nation of  all  that  hate  it,  who  love  darkness  rather  than  light,  because 
your  deeds  are  evil. 

Therefore,  with  the  prince  of  darkness  shall  you  be  driven,  and  to 
the  king  of  terrors  shall  you  be  delivered,  the  first-born  of  death  shall 
terrify  you,  and  the  plagues  and  pangs  of  hell  on  you  then  will  take 


53 

hold,  and  God  shall  cast  upon  you,  and  not  spare,  but  you  would  fain 
flee  out  of  his  hand ;  and  as  a  mighty  man  of  war,  that  rejoiceth  in 
the  spoil,  so  will  the  Lord  God  triumph  over  you  in  the  executing  of 
his  judgments,  and  in  the  spending  of  the  swift  arrows  of  his  fierce  in- 
dignation upon  you.  For  that  you  have  hated  knowledge,  and  set  at 
nought  all  his  reproofs,  and  did  not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  which 
is  to  depart  from  evil;  so  the  Lord  God  will  fill  you  with  the  fruit  of 
your  own  ways,  and  drive  you  all  into  utter  darkness,  (who  hate  the 
light,)  where  you  shall  not  know  whither  you  go. 

This  for  God  a  witness  shall  stand  in  righteousness,  over  the  head  of 
the  serpent  and  all  his  seed,  that  God  willeth  not  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
hut  rather  that  he  might  repent,  and  live ;  for  his  ways  are  equal,  and 
he  will  reward  every  man  according  to  his  deeds,  whether  good  or 
evil. 

This  is  written  as  a  warning,  and  to  clear  the  righteous  God  of  your 
blood,  whose  spirit  is  grieved,  and  my  soul  vexed  from  day  to  day  with 
'your  filthy  conversation,  who  am  known  to  the  children  of  darkness, 
by  that  only  which  was  named  in  the  darkness, 

A  true  voice  and  revelation  of  God  unto  all  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  the  fallen  Adam. 

The  soul  of  man  is  made  everlastingly  durable  and  living,  by  the 
eternal  breath  of  God,  either  in  joy  or  misery  unspeakable  to  remain 
forever,  whose  breath  is  excellent  and  wonderfully  pure,  and  is  of  one 
nature  in  itself,  and  doth  not  alter  nor  change  its  nature  or  property 
at  any  time.  Yet  it  is  like  precious  ointment  to  the  obedient  and  righte- 
ous soul,  which  forsaketh  its  sins  whereby  it  is  captivated,  and  leav- 
eth  off  transgressing  against  it ;  but  is  also  like  a  stream  of  fierce  and 
terrible  burning  fire  to  the  polluted  mind  and  soul  in  transgressions  and 
sins :  for  the  soul  that  sinneth  dies  from  its  pure,  refreshing  life,  and 
abideth  in  the  dark,  harsh,  furious,  wrathful,  condemned  life,  which 
will  burn  and  consume  the  wicked,  like  stubble  in  a  fiery  oven,  in  the 
day  of  their  judgment,  which  will  certainly  come  to  pass.  For  this  is 
truly  known  in  its  ground,  and  hath  been  prepared  of  old  for  the  seed 
of  transgression.  And  this  is  your  portion,  and  the  lot  of  your  inherit- 
ance, all  ye  proud  and  wrathful,  and  all  covetous,  brutish,  and  unclean 
spirits,  from  the  hand  of  the  mighty  God  of  power  and  majesty,  which 
will  in  his  day  be  fulfilled,  and  come  to  pass  upon  the  head  of  all  the 


54 


ungodly  sinners  and  unrighteous  ones :  the  eternal  Lord  God  of  heaven, 
with  his  breath  of  life  hath  spoken  it. 

Oh!  the  fierceness  of  wrath  and  unutterable  torments,  and  perplexity, 
and  sorrow  of  heart,  that  are  to  come  upon  his  enemies,  who  hate  the 
lamb-like  spirit,  and  the  true  light  of  life,  which  from  him  proceedeth, 
who  is  meek  and  low  in  the  heart !  Therefore,  take  heed  and  beware 
of  wrath  and  pride,  ye  rich  and  lustful  men  of  the  earth,  and  hearken 
ye  professors,  in  opinions  of  all  sorts,  who  talk  of  him,  and  profess 
him  in  words  only,  and  tattle  about  his  words  with  that  mouth  which 
will  be  utterly  stopped  at  the  presence  of  him  who  is  the  express  image 
of  his  Father's  glory;  with  which  you  are  biting  the  lamb  and  his  fol- 
lowers, and  also  each  other  about  dry  bones,  without  life  and  power 
over  your  sins  and  iniquities,  which  will  be  as  heavy  as  a  mill-stone 
about  your  necks,  notwithstanding  all  your  will- worship,  and  feigned 
humility,  and  talking  of  holy  men's  words;  no  hypocrite  is  to  be  cover- 
ed with  them,  but  shall  be  stripped  naked  and  stand  guilty  before  the 
throne  of  God,  and  the  lamb,  whom  now  you  are  tearing  with  the  teeth 
of  enmity  against  the  life  and  substance  of  all  shadows  and  types,  who 
hath  been  always  hid  from  the  unholy  and  adulterous  minds,  to  whom 
he  is  never  like  to  be  revealed,  but  in  flames  of  fire,  and  with  break- 
ing and  dreadful  shakings  from  off  your  foundation,  into  the  endless 
pit  of  darkness.  And  it  is  but  righteous  with  God,  to  turn  you  all  into 
darkness,  who  hate  the  precious  light  of  life.  And  all  you  teachers, 
who  are  from  the  light,"  and  break  the  commands  of  the  son  of  God, 
(who  said,  believe  in  the  light,)  and  teach  men  so,  and  all  hireling 
priests,  Babel's  merchants,  builded  and  building  up  in  the  tower  of  con- 
fusion, who  are  hardened  from,  and  feeding  yourselves  without  the  fear 
of  God ;  you,  I  say,  who  are  wilfully  blind,  and  strive  to  keep  close 
your  own  and  the  peoples'  eyes,  lest  they  should  know  the  truth,  and 
see  you  and  your  end,  who  are  erred  from  the  right  way  of  life,  and 
are  in  the  cursed  covetous  practices,  and  are  in  the  perfect  nature  of 
the  wolf  and  dogs,  shut  out  forever,  in  that  state,  from  the  kingdom  of 
God,  which  is  life  and  peace,  and  from  his  presence  who  taketh  away 
the  sin,  and  reconcileth  to  the  righteous  God  of  love.  Oh!  a  heavy  day 
of  account  and  judgment  is  coming  upon  you,  ye  destroyers  of  souls, 
and  murderers,  and  robbers.  A  horrible  sentence  to  you  will  be  given 
at  the  bar  of  God's  righteous  judgments.  Oh!  my  soul  hath  wept  in  se- 
cret, and  my  heart  is  broken,  and  bowels  turned  within  me,  when  I  deep- 
ly weigh  and  rightly  consider  your  condition  and  life,  and  the  fearful 
plagues,  and  judgments  without  mercy,  that  on  you  will  come  in  the 
end  of  your  ways.  Oh!  that  you  would  be  warned  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  by  embracing  the  true  light  that  in  you  shines,  though 
you  comprehend  it  not,  which  lots  von  see  vou  are  not  in  covenant 


55 


with  God,  and  reconciled  to  him,  but  in  that  which  the  witness  of  God 
testifieth  against,  in  your  own  consciences,  in  which  state  you  shall 
never  have  power  with  him. 

But  as  the  scripture  hath  said,  "He  that  believeth,  out  of  his  belly 
shall  flow  rivers  of  living  water;"  he  that  believeth  on  the  son  of  God, 
and  hath  him,  hath  life,  and  the  witness  in  himself ;  he  that  hath  not 
the  son  of  God  who  is  meek  and  low  in  the  heart,  hath  not  life;  neither 
doth  he  know  the  heart  out  of  whence  cometh  the  issues  of  life, 
(and  from  death,)  nor  the  springs  that  run  among  the  little  hills,  nor 
the  river  of  the  valley,  that  opens  the  thick  and  hard  clods  of  the 
earth.  For  in  the  meekness  and  humility  standeth  the  water  of  life, 
and  the  wells  of  salvation,  out  of  which  the  upright  in  heart  draweth 
with  joy,  where  the  anger  of  God  cometh  not,  but  is  extinguished  and 
quenched,  as  water  doth  the  natural  fire. 

But  in  the  hardness  of  the  heart  is  the  unbelief,  upon  which  the  wrath 
of  God  abideth,  and  the  wall  of  partition,  w  hich  separateth  from  the 
life  of  God;  but  in  the  eternal  light,  is  the  meekness  and  water  of  life, 
as  a  fountain  opened,  known,  and  felt  in  them  that  purely  wait  therein, 
and  give  up  themselves  in  the  will  of  God  unto  him,  as  to  a  faithful 
creator;  but  in  that  life  which  is  above  the  meek  spirit  is  the  fear,  and 
hath  torment  naturally  in  it,  being  the  seed  of  enmity,  coming  from  the 
wrathful  envious  nature,  to  which  is  the  fire  of  God's  anger  forever, 
[here  is  a  gulf  fixed  between  Abraham  and  the  voluptuous  and  glutton- 
ous ones,]  which,  through  transgression,  and  fear,  and  condemnation 
thereon,  is  exceedingly  kindled  in  the  heart  and  bowels  of  the  ungodly, 
(which  will  certainly  be  known  on  their  death  bed,)  and  burns  into  a 
perfect  fire  in  great  blackness  and  darkness,  sometimes  with  vehement 
scorching  heat,  and  sometimes  with  extreme  harsh  and  gnawing,  with 
bitter  and  unspeakable  cold,  which,  as  it  were,  teareth  with  its  harshness 
and  violence  both  soul  and  body,  and  spirit,  flesh,  and  bone  asunder  with 
unresistible  dreadfulness,  striking  through  with  its  darts  the  secret 
parts  of  the  heart.  Then  comes  all  that  to  be  uncovered  which  hath 
been  hid.  And  this  I  have  certainly  found  among  the  wonders  of  the  great 
deep,  whom  God,  through  his  unspeakable  mercy,  hath  brought  out 
of  an  inexpressible  and  horrible  pit,  wherein  will  no  water  of  life  be 
found  for  the  rebellious  children  of  darkness,  who  hate  the  light  of  life 
in  them;  for  if  the  righteous,  who  seek  the  Lord  with  their  whole  mind 
and  soul,  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  sinner  appear7 
Consider  this,  all  you  that  forget  God,  lest  you  be  inhabiters  of  the 
horrible  confused  lake  of  fire,  and  thick  darkness  forever,  which  cer- 
tainly will  devour  all  the  adversaries  of  the  lamb  of  God,  (who  taketh 
away  the  sin,  and  saveth  his  people  from  it,)  who  are  the  enemies  of 
humility,  meekness,  and  pure  love,  which  in  the  children  of  light  are 


5G 


found.  For  he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God  who  is  light,  and 
God  in  him,  for  God  is  love. 

O  ye  persecutors  and  haters  of  the  dear  little  ones  of  God!  haste  and 
consider  what  you  are  doing,  and  see  what  way  you  are  passing;  for  the 
wrath  of  God  abideth  on  all  you,  who  are  in  wrath,  pride,  and  envy. 

0  fear  and  tremble!  for  your  day  of  distress,  anguish,  and  astonishment 
is  at  hand,  which  will  sweep  you  all  away  as  in  a  dream  of  terrors  in 
the  dark  and  wearisome  night  of  sorrow.  O  consider,  all  ye  sons  and 
daughters  of  the  fallen  Adam,  and  you  who  are  his  first  born  in  envy 
and  wrath,  high  and  lifted  up;  the  day  of  the  Lord  God  of  hosts  is 
hastening  upon  you,  and  you  shall  be  brought  low.  For  pure  light  in 
power  and  great  glory  is  broke  forth,  like  the  swift  lightnings  of  the 
thunder,  which  makes  the  hills  to  tremble,  and  the  high  mountains  to 
smoke  and  burn  at  the  brightness  of  his  presence;  and  all  his  enemies 
shall  be  like  chaff,  and  as  ashes  under  his  feet,  upon  whom  he  will 
trample  in  his  fierce  indignation,  who  are  in  the  envious  and  wrathful 
nature,  exalted  above  the  meekness  and  simplicity  of  Christ,  the  son  of 
the  living  God,  whose  wrath  receiveth  you  into  itself,  being  its  child  born 
in  it,  and  not  come  forth  of  it,  and  feeds  upon  it,  as  it  is  your  food  and 
life  whose  meat,  and  drink,  and  rejoicing  is  to  lord  it  over  others,  and  to 
rule  in  the  wrathfulness  of  the  height  of  pride  and  revenge;  but  this 
cometh  from  the  seed  of  evil  doers,  that  shall  never  be  renowned,  but 
is  accursed  and  banished  from  God  forevermore. 

Therefore,  when  the  body's  outward  life  of  the  ungodly  parteth  from 
him,  the  spirit  of  that  man,  together  writh  all  its  transgressions,  enter- 
eth  into  the  deepest,  wrathful,  bitter,  cursed  nature  of  darkness  for  its 
habitation  forever,  in  which  property,  before,  he  delighted  to  dwell  and 
act  as  a  ruler;  so  here  will  the  ungodly  be  filled  with  the  fruit  of  their 
own  ways,  where  the  fire  of  indignation  is  great,  and  increaseth  its  tor- 
ment and  misery,  through  the  exceeding  dread  and  fearfulness  of  the 
presence  of  God,  being  found  in  sins,  who  shall  not  be  able  to  flee  from  it, 
neither  shall  it  ever  be  quenched,  but  endureth  as  long  as  God  endureth— 
to  all  eternity:  and  this  is  the  worm  which  never  dieth,  and  the  fire 
that  never  goeth  out;  and  this  is  also  called  the  damnation  of  hell*  which 
the  ungodly  and  viperous  generation  cannot  escape,  who  live  in  the 
wrathful  nature  and  seed  of  enmity,  until  the  body  parteth  from  its 
outward  life,  which  is  but  as  wind  in  the  hand  of  God.  And  these  things 

1  certainly  know,  through  the  powerful  work  and  revelation  of  God 
Almighty,  who  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things  to  confound  the  wise,  and 
weak  and  despised  things  to  bring  to  nought  things  that  are  mighty 
and  highly  esteemed  among  men.  Glory,  praises,  and  thanks,  eternal 
and  everlasting  power  and  dominion,  be  ascribed  to  the  Lord  God,  and 
to  the  lamb,  forever  and  ever. 


57 


And  into  this  nature  of  enmity  man  entered  when  he  sinned,  and 
conceived  and  imagined  in  it,  and  so  became  its  child,  and  went  farther 
off  the  meek  and  simple  life  of  love  and  peace,  because  of  the  fear 
which  followed  after  the  transgression  of  it ;  which  fear  increased  a  fire 
of  torment  within  him;  (here  the  noble  vine  became  a  degenerate  plant 
from  the  life  in  which  it  first  stood,  as  a  child  with  God  in  pure  light, 
life,  and  joy,  out  of  all  fear,  and  wrathfulness,  and  rebellion  against  him:) 
and  so,  the  farther  off  he  went  from  that  life  by  which  he  was  created 
and  made  a  living  soul,  the  other  nature  entered  into  his  mind  and  heart, 
and  became  its  food  and  life,  and  he  became  vailed,  clothed,  and  cover- 
ed with  the  hardness  of  darkness,  into  which  he  entered,  being  afraid 
of  the  voice  of  God,  when  he  saw  his  transgression  and  nakedness,  who 
before  had  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the  subtle  serpent,  over  whose 
nature  he  should  have  ruled,  in  the  dominion  and  life  of  God  in  himself; 
but  being  deceived  by  the  contrary  seed  of  enmity,  was  separated  and 
driven  from  the  presence  of  the  creator.  Take  heed  and  consider  this, 
all  ye  ungodly  transgressors,  careless  and  disobedient  ones;  here  is  your 
state  unto  all  eternity,  except  you  return,  and  hearken  unto  the  voice 
of  the  son  of  God,  whose  life  is  the  light  of  men,  and  repent  and  hum- 
ble yourselves  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God  and  of  the  lamb,  by 
whose  brightness  all  your  darkness  and  nakedness  are  seen  and  disco- 
vered, and  all  your  strivings  and  hidings  will  be  as  fig  leaves,  too  thin 
and  narrow  for  you  in  the  day  of  God's  visitation  with  fierce  judgments. 
For  the  first  born  of  him  who  hides  from  the  presence  of  God  which  con- 
vinceth  of  sin  and  evil,  is  a  murderer  and  man-slayer;  and  we  know, 
that  no  murderer  doth  enjoy  eternal  life,  but  is  driven  and  banished  and 
separated  from  the  presence  and  glory  of  God  forever. 

Therefore,  that  which  helpeth  and  saveth  the  soul,  and  bringeth  it 
to  its  rest,  and  giveth  it  eternal  life,  (out  of  the  chains,  snares,  fear,  and 
torment  in  the  wrathful  nature.)  is  the  pure  meekness  and  simplicity 
in  which  it  was  created;  and  stood  as  God's  child  in  innocency  and  love, 
free  from  the  trouble,  anguish,  fears  or  sorrow,  in  the  brightness  of  joy 
in  the  presence  of  God.  And  so,  the  Jiumility  and  meekness  in  the 
heart  of  God's  child,  is  a  mediator  to  appease  or  stop  the  wrathful 
anger  which  lies  in  the  enmity  seed;  and  it  is  the  lamb  of  God,  in  whom 
he  is  well  pleased,  that  taketh  away  the  sin,  whom  the  soul  is  to  hear- 
ken unto,  as  a  true  prophet,  and  guide,  and  saviour;  whose  spirit  leadeth 
into  all  truth,  and  preserveth  them  that  follow  him,  and  bringeth  up 
the  living  soul  that  heareth  his  voice,  out  of  the  dark  dominion,  envy, 
and  subtilty  of  the  serpent,  who  must  hearken  with  that  ear  which 
heareth  the  reproofs  of  life,  which  is  death  to  the  transgressing  seed, 
and  see  with  that  eye  which  seeth  itself  naked,  and  not  clothed  nor  hid 
from  his  presence  that  discovers  it,  that  he  may  come  to  live  that  was 


58 


dead,  and  be  found  which  was  lost;  for  that  is  it  which  he  is  come  to  save, 
who  is  the  lamb  of  God,  meek  and  low  in  the  heart.  This  is  the  deliverer 
that  comes  out  of  Zion,  who  turns  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob.  This  is 
Sion's  king,  who  rides  meekly  upon  the  wild  ass's  colt,  whom  no  man 
in  pride  and  rebellion  regardeth.  But  there  is  no  place  of  darkness 
that  shall  not  be  searched  out  by  his  light,  and  no  covering  in  it  shall 
go  unstripped,  but  shall  become  naked,  ashamed,  and  confounded  at 
the  eternal  brightness  of  the  lamb  of  God's  power  and  life. 

Therefore,  wo  and  misery  from  the  Lord  God  of  infinite  glory,  of 
heaven  and  earth,  with  great  tribulations,  anguish,  and  vexation  of 
spirit,  shall  be  rendered  unto  all  of  them  that  make  war  with  the  lamb, 
and  the  faithful  with  him,  whose  seed  is  blessed.  For  they  shall  have 
their  part  in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and  unspeakable  torment, 
who  are  in  the  enmity  against  the  appearance  of  the  righteous  seed  of 
life;  and  this  unto  all  such  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God  of  power  and 
endless  strength,  whose  word  is  like  a  hammer,  and  like  fire,  to  break 
in  pieces,  burn  and  consume  all  the  wicked  and  ungodly  off  the  earth, 
who  are  like  dross,  and  dung,  and  stubble  in  his  presence,  who  is  now 
risen  to  smite  the  earthly  minded,  unholy,  and  profane  with  the  rod  of 
his  mouth,  and  with  the  breath  of  his  lips  will  he  slay  the  wicked,  who 
cannot  stand  in  his  judgments  when  his  anger  is  wholly  kindled,  whose 
day  is  hastening  upon  all  flesh  that  hath  corrupted  his  way.  And  these 
things  I  have  seen,  and  of  them  am  a  witness,  and  have  learned  them 
from  the  hand  of  God,  who  found  me,  and  plucked  me  out,  as  a  brand 
of  the  fire,  in  unspeakable  distress,  anguish,  and  carefulness  of  spirit,  in 
a  desolate  wilderness,  who  there  could  have  given  the  whole  world  for 
life  to  my  soul,  being  in  the  flames  of  the  everlasting  burnings,  where  I 
saw  the  sinners  in  Sion  afraid,  and  fearfulness  surprised  the  heart  of  the 
hypocrite,  who  cannot  dwell  or  endure  therein,  nor  any  who  join  not 
unto  him  in  spirit,  who  is  meek  and  low  in  the  heart.  And  this  may 
serve  for  a  true  and  certain  warning  unto  all  that  live  ungodly  upon 
the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  and  all  who  are  lifted  up  in  the  seed  of 
enmity,  in  pride,  wrathfulness,  and  rebellion  against  the  meek  spirit. 
Those  things  are  the  everlasting  and  true  sayings  of  God,  but  hid  from 
thousands  who  are  in  the  unbelief;  yet  to  the  light  of  Christ  in  them 
I  am  manifest,  which  heareth  my  voice,  and  to  it  have  I  cleared  my 
conscience,  and  the  Lord  God,  of  their  blood  who  rebel  against  him: 
but  he  that  can  receive  it  let  him,  who  shall  then  know  from  whence 
it  came,  and  whither  it  goeth";  which  no  man  ever  shall,  that  is  not  born 
of  immortal  seed;  nor  know  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom,  which  to  the 
children  of  light  only  are  revealed,  whose  life  is  hid  from  all  the  wise 
and  prudent  of  the  earth,  and  from  all  who  harden  their  hearts  against 


59 


them,  whose  day  is  coming,  wherein  they  shall  suddenly  fall  into  mis- 
chief. 

For  a  woful  day  is  coming  upon  all  you  who  spend  your  precious 
time  in  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  that  war  against  the  soul;  who  are  re- 
joicing and  feasting  without  fear,  in  sports  and  pleasures;  whose  hearts, 
through  the  abundance  of  your  lusts  and  vanities,  are  lifted  up  in  vain 
glory  above  your  fellow  creatures,  and  also  above  Christ  Jesus  the  light 
of  the  world,  who  is  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief;  whom 
you  sometimes  talk  of  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness  and  deceit,  but  his 
life  you  know  not,  but  are  bitter  enemies  to  him  and  his  followers.  For 
all  whose  God  is  their  bellies,  whose  minds  are  in  the  earthly  things, 
are  enemies  to  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  end  will  be 
everlasting  destruction  and  misery.  For  you  are  the  careless  ones  that 
are  at  ease,  whose  day  of  wo,  breaking  down,  shaking  and  trembling 
must  come,  though  you  make  a  mock  at  it  now,  while,  like  pam- 
pered horses,  you  can  rejoice  in  the  height  of  your  strength,  and  pride 
of  heart    But  the  day  is  coming  and  stealing  on  you  unawares,  like  a 
thief  in  the  night,  wherein  the  grasshopper  will  be  a  burden,  and  your 
desires  shall  fail,  and  all  your  lusts  and  pleasures  will  then  be  as  a 
bitter  cup  unto  you,  and  the  chains  of  your  darkness,  wherein  you 
delight,  will  then  bind  you,  and  press  you  down  into  the  place  of  per- 
dition, in  the  sight  of  the  dreadful  holiness  of  God,  where  you  shall 
tremble  at  every  moment,  and  startle  as  men  distracted  and  amazed 
at  the  shaking  of  a  leaf,  who  shall  be  affrighted  and  chased  with  terrors 
as  a  wild  roe  upon  the  mountains  before  the  furious  hunter,  and  as  a 
fearful  sinking  down  into  a  terrible  pit  of  endless  thick  darkness,  and 
astonishments,  and  strange  sights  and  apparitions.    With  that  eye 
will  you  then  behold,  which  now  you  strive  to  keep  close  for  fear  of  its 
condemnation,  which  shall  then  clearly  be  opened,  and  a  dreadful  sound 
will  you  then  hear,  with  that  ear  which  now  you  turn  away  from  hear- 
ing the  law  of  truth,  (which  is  light  and  life,)  and  cannot  endure  sound 
doctrine,  but  love  smooth  things,  flatteries,  and  deceitful  coverings, 
false  prophecies  and  divinations,  which  will  deceive  you,  and  cause  you 
to  trust  in  a  lie,  with  which  you  cannot  stand  before  the  God  of  truth, 
but  your  fall  and  torment  will  be  without  hope  of  end.  And  this  great 
and  dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  shall  you  all  know  fulfilled  upon  you, 
whose  portion  is  in  this  life,  and  names  are  written  in  the  earth,  who 
regard  not  the  day  of  your  visitation,  but  love  the  paths  of  darkness, 
which  lead  to  the  chambers  of  death  and  everlasting  destruction. 

So  this  I  declare  unto  you  all,  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  warn 
you  in  your  life-time,  to  repent  and  tremble  at  the  word  of  the  Lord 
God,  and  let  your  laughter  be  turned  into  mourning,  and  your  joy  into 
heaviness;  and  come  down  off  your  thrones  of  haughtiness,  pride  and 


GO 


pleasures,  which  are  the  dark  dominions  of  the  cursed  serpent,  and  sit  in 
dust  and  ashes,  and  humble  yourselves  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  let  your 
hearts  be  broken  and  rent, and  cry  mightily  unto  the  Lord  God,  forsaking 
your  sins  and  abominable  iniquities,  lest  the  king  of  Nineveh  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  you,  because  of  your  unbelief,  and  a  day  come  upon 
you  like  a  flood,  to  sweep  you  all  away  into  endless  destruction  and 
sorrow.  And  this  unto  you  all  is  a  visitation  and  warning  from  the 
eternal  word  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  whether  you  will  hear  or  for- 
bear. 

From  a  lover  of  the  seed  of  promise,  a  witness  to  the  eternal  light 
and  power  of  God,  and  a  friend  to  the  everlasting  peace  of  all  mankind, 
who  hath  forsaken  all  to  follow  the  lamb  in  the  paths  of  righteousness, 
truth,  and  peace;  for  whose  eternal  testimony  I  now  suffer  bonds  and 
afflictions,  and  am  numbered  among  transgressors  at  the  house  of  cor- 
rection, in  the  common  jail  at  Winchester;  who  am  known  to  the  world 
by  the  name  of 

William  Bayly. 

The  6th  Month,  1658. 

I  thank  thee,  O  father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast 
hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them 
unto  babes.    Matt.  ii.  25. 

Some  Queries  for  any  of  the  Priest?  and  rulers  of  the  nations,  who 
profess  the  scriptures,  to  consider  and  answer  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  God. 

Query  L  Had  ever  the  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  any  outward  law  or 
carnal  weapon,  from  any  king,  queen,  or  ruler  of  the  world,  to  uphold 
and  guard  them,  as  the  priests  of  England  have?  Yea  or  nay. 

II.  Did  not  the  apostle  Paul,  a  minister  of  Christ,  say,  the  weapons 
of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  spiritual,  and  mighty  through  God 
to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds?* 

III.  And  did  not  the  prophets  of  God,  who  were  sent  by  him,  bear 
witness  against  them  he  never  sent?f  and  did  not  them  the  Lord  never 
sent  bear  rule  by  their  means ?J  and  seek  for  their  gain  from  their 
quarter,  as  the  priests  of  England  do?§  Yea  or  nay. 

IV.  And  did  those  prophets  the  Lord  never  sent,  profit  the  people  at 
all?||  or  by  their  lies  and  their  lightness  cause  them  to  err,  like  the 
priests  of  England? 

•  2  Cor.  x.  4.  f  Isa.  lvi.  11.  i  Jer.  xxiii.  $  Mich.  Hi.  5,  11. 

II  Jer.  xxiii.  30,  31,  42. 


r>3 


V.  And  is  not  this  an  error,  to  persecute,  hale  out  of  your  syna- 
gogues, and  imprison  the  servants  of  the  living  God,  for  testifying 
against  wickedness  and  all  deceitful  works  and  workers?  And  do  not 
your  priests  stir  up  rude  people,  more  like  dogs  and  swine  than  men, 
to  these  evil  things,  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  truth  and  meekness'? 

VI.  Did  ever  Christ,  or  Paul,  or  Peter,  or  any  other  of  the  true 
prophets  or  apostles  that  spake  forth  scriptures,  call  to  officers  or  rulers 
to  lay  hands  on  them  that  did  oppose  their  doctrine,  that  they  might 
be  punished,  persecuted,  or  imprisoned,  as  the  priests  of  England  do? 

VII.  And  did  not  Paul,  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  exhort  Timothy 
to  instruct  (then  not  persecute)  those  that  did  oppose  themselves,  in 
meekness,  if  God  peradventure  might  give  them  repentance?* 

Contrary  to  the  ministers  of  anti-christ  in  England,  who  cause  them 
to  be  abused,  persecuted,  and  imprisoned,  which  oppose  them  that  di- 
vine for  money,  whom  the  Lord  God  is  making  mad,  and  turning  their 
wisdom  backward,  and  their  high  knowledge  into  foolishness,  and  mak- 
ing them  base  and  contemptible  before  the  eyes  of  the  people  ;f  for 
their  madness  and  folly  shall  be  made  manifest,  as  theirs  was  who  for- 
merly withstood  the  truth.J  And  did  not  Paul  charge  Timothy,  in  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  to  lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither  to  be 
partaker  in  other  men's  sins?§  And  are  not  your  teachers,  that  the 
world  hears  and  fights  for,  partakers  in  other  men's  sins,  who  stir  up 
the  rude  and  wild  people,  which  is  their  flock,  (mark  that,)  to  hale, 
beat,  kick,  pluck  off  the  hair,  persecute,  and  imprison  the  servants  and 
messengers  of  the  living  God,  for  testifying  the  truth,  and  against  all 
unrighteousness  of  men,  and  afterward  laugh  them  to  scorn  who  are 
so  used,  and  rejoice  that  their  blood-thirst  is  somewhat  quenched? 

Of  which  passages  I  am  a  witness  for  God  against  them  that  have 
thus  acted,  yea,  even  upon  this  body  I  now  live  in:  but  blood  shall  ye 
persecutors  have  to  drink,  saith  the  Lord  God,  for  ye  are  worthy.||  And 
in  my  sufferings  I  rejoice,1[  knowing  that  every  man  shall  receive  ac- 
cording to  their  works,  whether  they  be  good,  or  whether  they  be 
evil.  ** 

And  you  who  are  called  judges  and  justices  :  were  not  such  as  were 
set  to  rule  over  the  people  able  men,  such  as  fear  God,  men  of  truth, 
hating  covetousness?  And  were  not  they  to  judge  the  small  matters,  and 
to  bear  the  burden  with  Moses,  a  servant  of  God,  that  did  judge  the 
greater  matters,  who  was  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Lord  God,  who 
is  the  righteous  judge,ff  insomuch  that  the  children  of  Israel  could  not 
steadfastly  behold  his  face,JJ  who  did  exceedingly  fear  and  quake  ?  §§ 

•  2  Tim.  ii.  25.  f  Tsaiah  xliv.  25.  *  2  Tim.  iii.  8.  §  1  Tim.  v.  22. 

8  Prov.  xxix.  10.  %  Psal.  lv.  23.  **  Kev.  xvi.  6.  ff  Exod.  xviii.  21, 

H  Heb.  xii.  21.  §§2  Cor.  iii.  7. 


63 


,  O  ye  light  and  vain,  proud  and  deceitful  men,  that  rule  this  people 
in  England !  do  you  not  deal  treacherously  with  God  and  man,  to  sell 
the  sins  of  the  people  for  the  value  of  a  pair  of  shoes,  and  are  not  in 
the  meek  spirit  like  Moses?  Neither  do  ye  hate  covetousness,  but  are 
greedy  of  gain,  yea,  even  the  gain  of  oppression,  which  the  Lord  God 
hateth.  And  do  you  not  make  a  mock  at  sin,  which  is  the  manner  of 
fools,  that  die  for  want  of  wisdom  1* 

And  do  not  you  take  five  shillings  of  one  for  drunkenness,  and  ten 
groats  for  swearing  and  cursed  speaking?  for  which  cause  the  land 
mourns.  And  do  you  not  pass  by  fighting,  and  quarrelling,  and  blas- 
pheming the  holy  name  of  God,  for  money?  Are  you  not  like  Judas, 
who  sold  the  innocent  for  silver,  and  eat  up  the  sin  of  the  people  like 
bread?  f  And  do  not  all  the  blind,  ignorant,  and  wild  people,  strive  in 
covetousness  to  maintain  your  gain  of  oppression,  (which  the  Lord  ab- 
horreth,)  to  buy  out  their  wickedness  with  money?  And  do  they  not 
thereby  escape  the  punishment  due  for  the  transgression  ?  And  others 
do  you  not  punish  and  afflict,  that  have  not  money  to  satisfy  your  lusts  ? 
And  are  you  not  in  these  things  transgressors,  by  respecting  of  per- 
sons? And  do  you  not  herein  break  and  make  void  the  righteous  law 
of  God  and  man  for  the  love  of  money,  which  is  the  root  of  all  evil  ? 
Let  the  witness  of  God  in  you  all  be  judge. 

O  ye  rulers  and  priests,  scribes  and  pharisees,  hypocrites,  whited 
sepulchres,  graves  that  have  not  appeared  in  many  ages,  as  you  are, 
full  of  ravening  and  wickedness!  but  the  day  of  the  Lord  God  of  light 
hath  now  discovered  you  all,  and  there  is  nothing  covered  that  shall 
be  hid,  though  never  so  secret;  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Therefore  consider,  and  repent  speedily,  and  cease  joining  together 
in  battle  against  the  Lord  and  his  anointed,  lest  you  are  consumed  in 
a  moment  by  the  terrors  of  his  fierce  wrath;  and  cease  making  laws, 
and  proclaiming  snares  against  the  innocent  ones  in  the  nations,  to  en- 
snare them  whom  the  Lord  God  of  hosts  delighteth  in,  they  being  in 
his  son,  the  light  of  the  world,  in  whom  he  is  well  pleased.  O  consider, 
and  remember  Pharaoh,  and  his  great  destruction  and  overthrow,  who 
was  hardened  against  a  harmless  and  innocent  people,  as  ye  are.  And 
ye  who  are  proud  and  haughty,  remember  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  whose 
wickedness  vexed  the  righteous  soul  of  just  Lot  from  day  to  day,  until 
they  were  consumed  and  destroyed  with  the  fierce  indignation  of  the 
Lord, J  which  burns  like  fire  forever  against  all  the  wicked  ;§  which 
things  are  set  forth  for  an  example  unto  you  that  live  ungodly,  upon 
whom  the  Lord  God  will  rain  snares  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  ||  And 

•  Prov.  xiv.  9.  &  x.  21.  f  Hos.  iv.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11.  *  PsaT.  vii.  11. 

§  2  Pet.  ii.  6.  7.  8.  H  2  Thess.  vi.  7.  8.  9.  10. 


03 


are  vounot  all  ungodly,  who  live  in  pride,  haughtiness,  and  fulness,  (the 
sins  of  Sodom,)  and  hardness  of  heart,  in  persecuting  and  imprisoning 
the  dear  and  tender  lambs  of  God,  who  is  love  ;  and  you  are  in  envy 
and  rage,  hating  and  hateful.  And  so  their  dear  life  of  love,  which 
they  have  in  God,  and  one  with  another,  is  hid  from  your  eyes ;  and  the 
glory  thev  enjoy  is  not  like  yours  that  fadeth,  that  they  have  received 
from  the  Lord  of  glory,  with  whom  is  no  respect  of  persons;  whom  the 
princes  of  this  world  never  knew,  but  only  the  babes  of  the  Lord;  to 
whom  be  all  glory,  honour,  and  praises  eternal:  for  mighty  and  pow- 
erful is  the  Lord  our  God,  who  is  the  righteous  judge  of  heaven  and 
earth. 

Being  moved  of  the  Lord,  written  for  a  warning,  a  little  before  your 
measures  of  wickedness  are  full,  by  one  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord, 
who  is  in  the  house  of  correction  and  common  jail  for  Hampshire,  a 
prisoner  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  light  of  the  world,  of  whom  I  am  called, 

William  Bayly. 

A  Letter  to  John  Bidkley,  {called  a  Justice?)  concerning  my  im- 
prisonment in  the  House  of  Correction  at  Winchester. 

John  Bulkley, 

Thou  alone  art  the  cause  of  my  imprisonment  almost  these  nine 
weeks,  in  which  I  have  almost  suffered  to  the  death  of  my  body,  being 
also  sick  when  I  was  brought  to  prison  among  those,  in  whose  compa- 
ny wert  thou  but  one  night,  it  would  make  thy  flesh  to  tremble,  and 
grieve  thy  soul,  if  thou  fearedst  God,  to  hear  and  see  the  filthy  con- 
versation of  the  wicked  from  day  to  day.  The  like  wickedness  I  do 
believe  was  not  found  in  Sodom,  nor  in  the  old  world,  whom  God  de- 
stroyed with  an  utter  overthrow.  O  consider  a  little,  in  the  fear  of 
the  righteous  God,  who  is  the  righteous  judge  of  all  mankind,  whether 
thou  hast  done  unto  me  as  thou  wouldst  be  done  unto,  who  am  a  suf- 
ferer under  thy  hand  of  oppression,  for  righteousness'  sake,  both  in  body 
and  soul,  being  grieved  and  vexed  with  the  abominations  that  I  daily 
hear  and  see,  and  the  injustice  and  unreasonableness  of  them  by  whom 
we  suffer,  where  also  we  are  deprived  of  all  outward  liberty  without 
cause,  which  in  the  day  of  visitation  the  witness  of  God  in  thee  forme 
shall  witness ;  and  this  action  of  thine  against  the  innocent,  in  that 
day  will  be  as  a  mill-stone  about  thy  neck,  and  as  a  fiery,  flaming 
worm  to  eat  thy  flesh.    Yea,  and  if  thou  proceed  in  the  evil  that  is 


64 


in  thy  hands,  and  repent  not  speedily,  when  thou  wilt  think  peace  to 
thyself,  then  will  thy  sudden  destruction  come,  as  in  a  moment,  from 
the  Lord  God,  who  is  a  swift  witness  against  all  iniquity  and  unrighte- 
ousness of  men,  without  respect  of  persons. 

Therefore,  once  more  consider,  and  weigh  thy  actions  in  the  just 
balance,  even  by  the  light  of  Christ  in  thy  conscience,  which  will  let 
thee  see,  by  what  measure  thou  metest  it  will  be  measured  to  thee 
again.  And  this  is  right,  and  according  as  God  will  judge  and  reward 
every  man;  to  which  that  of  God  in  thy  conscience  doth  witness,  though 
for  a  time  thou  mayst  strive  to  hide  and  vail  it,  for  the  honour  of  the 
world's  sake,  and  the  love  of  the  praise  of  men.  But  what  will  this 
avail  or  profit  thee  in  the  day  wherein  thou  wilt  be  justly  weighed  and 
tried,  then  to  be  found  by  the  judge  of  all  the  earth,  to  be  a  perse- 
cutor of  his  people  and  anointed  ones ;  for  whose  sake  he  will  rebuke 
kings,  and  will  fight  our  battles,  and  plead  our  cause  in  righteousness. 
Therefore  do  we  stand  still  in  quietness,  to  see  his  salvation,  and  a 
freedom  from  the  oppression  of  all  wickedness  and  wicked  men,  under 
whom  for  a  time  the  just  do  suffer. 

I  do  not  write  to  thee,  as  to  complain  to  thee,  but  am  contented  in 
my  sufferings,  for  my  God  hears  the  sighing  of  his  prisoners;  neither 
do  I  expect  any  thing  from  thee  but  equity  and  justice,  of  which  thou 
bearest  the  name,  but  actest  not  in  the  life  thereof.  So  in  the  day  of 
trial  wilt  thou  be  found  among  the  hypocrites,  bearing  the  name  of 
that  thou  neither  art  nor  livest  in.  I  must  deal  plainly  with  thee,  though 
under  thy  power  I  should  suffer  death.  This  I  can  say,  I  have  no  envy 
to  thy  person,  nor  to  any  man  upon  the  earth,  God  is  my  witness ;  nei- 
ther dare  I  give  flattering  titles  to  any  man ;  for  in  so  doing  I  should 
be  condemned  by  the  witness  of  God  in  my  conscience,  whose  peace  is 
more  gain  to  me  than  all  the  riches  and  glory  of  this  perishing  world. 
But  this  I  lay  to  thy  charge  justly,  who  art  out  of  the  state  of  God's 
elect,  to  which  that  of  God  in  thy  conscience  eternally  shall  witness, 
to  wit:  my  sufferings  unjustly  by  thy  means,  with  the  rest  of  my  dear 
brethren,  whose  dear  life  in  innocency  is  hid  from  the  wise  of  the  world, 
in  that  thou  tookest  us,  who  were  about  honest  and  lawful  occasions, 
and  sent  us  to  prison,  who  intend  no  harm  to  any,  and  afterwards  sent 
me  word  in  writing,  that  to  follow  my  lawful  occasions  I  had  a  freedom, 
of  which  before  thou  hadst  deprived  me.  But  this  will  not  hide  thy 
deceit  and  envy  against  God's  people.  For  I  was  in  the  town  in  which 
I  naturally  was  born,  who  there  was  neither  found  acting  nor  speaking 
any  thing  that  was  unlawful  or  dishonest,  for  such  things  I  hate.  But 
thou  actedst  towards  me  that  which  is  dishonest  and  unlawful,  in  send- 
ing me  to  prison  without  the  breach  of  any  law.  And  is  this  a  small 
thing,  to  send  a  man  from  his  honest  and  lawful  employment,  by  which 


65 


he  hath  his  subsistence,  to  a  wicked  and  ungodly  place,  to  be  kept  pri- 
soner in  the  common  jail,  where  we  are  deprived  both  of  our  outward 
liberty  and  employment,  for  the  maintenance  of  our  bodies,  which  by 
thy  means  have  greatly  suffered?  Neither  do  I  know  of  so  much  liberty 
as  to  send  for  work  to  work  at  my  trade,  where  it  may  be  had,  and 
sent  to  prison,  where  I  being  kept,  and  like  to  remain,  am  willing  to 
work  with  my  hands,  if  room  and  liberty  I  might  have.  Therefore, 
I  would  know  from  thee,  if  thou  wilt  send  me  an  order  in  writing  un- 
der thy  hand,  for  me  to  have  room  and  liberty  here  to  work  at  my  law- 
ful calHng,  and  also,  that  some  friend  of  mine  may  have  liberty  to 
come  in  and  out  with  my  work,  and  not  be  abused?  And  to  this  thing 
I  do  expect  a  speedy  answer  from  thee ;  for  it  is  unreasonable  that  I 
should  be  kept  from  my  work,  and  my  work  from  me,  who  have  done 
no  evil,  who  am  of  the  world  called, 

William  Bayly. 

From  the  house  of  correction  in  the  common  jail  of} 
Winchester,  the  3d  day  of  the  3d  month,  1658.  5 

Note. — I  also  having  endeavoured,  though  with  charge  and  trouble,  to  have  wool 
bought  and  made  ready,  and  to  have  all  things  needful  Cor  me,  and  more  of  us,  to  work 
at  my  trade,  and  having  hereby  obtained  an  order  to  the  jailer,  that  I  might  have  room 
and  liberty,  and  things  convenient  suffered  to  be  brought  in  unto  me,  yet  did  the  jail- 
er hinder  me  of  having  coals,  without  which  I  could  not  work,  and  thereby,  for  a  time, 
my  work,  (being  in  all  things  ready,)  lay  still  and  suffered  loss.  And  so  she  that  should 
keep  idle  persons,  committed  to  the  house  of  correction,  in  work,  doth  neither  do  that, 
but  also  hinder  me  from  my  lawful  labour,  contrary  to  her  place,  and  also  contrary  to 
two  Justices'  orders.  And  hereby  many  may  be  satisfied  also  concerning  things  that 
false  accusers  have  cast  upon  us,  called  Quakers, — that  we  are  idle,  or  refuse  to  work 
at  our  lawful  callings;  yet  to  be  set  at  work,  on  their  work,  at  the  wills  of  those  belong- 
ing to  the  house  of  correction,  as  idle  persons  and  transgressors  are,  we  deny  forever. 


0 


THE 


BLOOD 


or 


RIGHTEOUS  ABEL 


<£rgma  from  tfie  <£rotutt: 


Being  a  Lamentation  for,  and  a  Warning  to,  all  that  have  a  hand 
against  the  innocent  people  of  God;  especially  intended  for  the  rulers 
and  priests  in  Hampshire,  who  have  hardened  their  hearts  against  the  day 
of  slaughter,  wherein  they  shall  feel  Cain's  punishment,  which  he  was 
not  able  to  bear;  who  have  been  often  warned  by  the  Servants  of  the 
Lord,  yet  have  they  not  done  that  which  is  just  in  his  sight;  but  have 
imprisoned  several  of  His  servants  these  many  months,  without  just  cause, 
and  do  increase  their  bondage  upon  us,  where  nine  of  us  are  kept  close 
prisoners  in  an  unwholesome,  stinking  hole,  not  fit  for  beasts;  whose 
cry  is  not  only  gone  through  the  nation,  but  is  also  entered  into  the 
ears  of  the  Lord  God  of  Rest,  who  will  plead  our  cause  in  righteousness. 

Also  the  Decree  of  the  Lord,  sealed  and  made  manifest  to  His  servant, 
That  all  the  Plottings,  Snares  and  Persecutions,  which  the  powers  of 
the  Earth  and  Darkness,  and  the  Gates  of  Hell,  can  invent  and  rise  up 
with,  shall  never  prevail  against  His  power,  that  is  now  broke  forth  and 
made  manifest  in  his  dear  Children,  who,  in  scorn,  are  called  Quakers. 

With  a  Voice  and  Visitation  of  God  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Isle  of 
Wight. 


 V 

BY  WILLIAM  BAYLY. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

MARCUS  T.  C.  GOULD,  No.  6,  NORTH  EIGHTH  STREET. 

NEW  YORK: 

ISAAC  T.  HOPPER,  No.  420,  PEARL  STREET 


1830 


THE 

BLOOD  OF  RIGHTEOUS  ABEL 

CRYING  FROM  THE  GROUND. 


"  My  heart  within  me  is  broken,  because  of  the  false  prophets  and 
persecuting  rulers,  who  are  found  lighting  against  the  lamb  of  God  and 
his  followers.  Alas!  alas!  wo  is  me  because  of  the  misery  that  is  coming 
upon  you!  My  heart  is  tilled  with  sorrow,  and  mine  eyes  with  tears,  and 
mv  bowels  are  turned  within  me,  to  consider  the  day  of  your  desolation 
and  destruction,  which  is  coming  upon  you  from  the  almighty  God  of 
heaven  and  earth.  Oh!  what  shall  be  done  for  you,  ye  hard-hearted 
and  rebellious  children!  Who  shall  entreat  for  you,  or  take  pity  on  you 
in  the  dav  of  vour  calamity,  which  is  coming  as  a  whirlwind  of  terrors, 
and  you  shall  not  escape!  And  wo  be  to  him  that  strives  with  his 
Maker!  do  you  think  to  stop  or  limit  the  mighty  power  of  the  Creator 
of  heaven  and  earth,  which  is  now  broke  forth  and  made  manifest  in 
his  dear  children,  who  have  waited  for  him  in  the  day  of  his  judgments, 
bv  vour  blood-thirsty  persecution,  and  by  your  false  accusations  and 
wicked  consultations,  and  unrighteous  decrees  and  laws?  Nay,  you 
shall  never  prevail  nor  prosper  in  these  your  intents:  your  vain  hopes 
will  perish,  and  your  contrivances  will  be  swept  with  you  into  the  bottom- 
less pit,  from  whence  your  counsel  is.  And  no  weapon  that  is  formed 
against  us.  who  love  not  our  lives,  for  the  son  of  God's  sake,  unto  the 
death,  shall  ever  prosper;  and  wo  to  the  rebellious  children,  that  take 
counsel,  but  not  of  me,  and  that  cover  with  a  covering,  but  not  of  mv 
spirit!  saith  the  Lord. 

Are  your  counsels,  plottings,  and  persecution  to  hinder  the  powerful 
work  of  the  Lord,  which  he  hath  begun  among  the  children  of  men, 
and  hath  blessed  and  will  bless,  and  to  frighten  people  from  embracing 
the  precious  truth,  which  is  the  everlasting  foundation  of  God,  without 
which  all  men  will  be  found  miserable  in  their  latter  end?  Is  this  vour 
end?  and  to  keep  up  yxnir  earthly  honour,  deceit,  and  flattering  titles, 
and  vain  glory,  which  will  wither,  and  be  laid  in  the  dust;  and  to  satisfy 
the  pride  of  life,  which  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  of  the  world?  Is  this 
your  end;  for  fear  of  losing  these  things,  that  puff  up  the  fleshly  mind 


70 


out  of  God's  fear,  and  that  war  against  your  souls,  for  which  you  per- 
secute, imprison,  and  draw  before  the  judgment  seats,  and  make  a  prey 
and  a  spoil  of  a  harmless  and  innocent  people,  whose  glory,  and  kingdom, 
■and  peace,  are  not  of  the  world,  but  who  follow  the  lamb  that  was  slain 
whithersoever  he  goeth?  If  this  be  your  end,  (and  to  keep  off  the  trouble 
and  torment,  that  is  coming  upon  you,  by  reason  of  your  wickedness 
and  rebellion  against  the  Lord,)  you  will  miss  of  it,  and  your  expecta- 
tion will  perish.  And  do  you  think  to  avenge  yourselves  on  his  dear 
children,  and  get  ease  by  afflicting  them,  and  grieving  them,  and  tor- 
menting them  with  your  plottings  and  snares  of  inhuman  cruelty?  Is 
this  your  way?  is  the  time  that  was  spoken  of  come  to  be  fulfilled  upon 
you,  that  whosoever  killeth  us,  who  are  the  followers  of  Christ,  shall 
think  he  doth  God  service?  And  will  not  their  vain  thoughts  deceive 
them,  who  are  found  in  the  envy  against  the  meek  spirit,  that  is  come 
to  judge  the  world?  And  do  not  they  rise  up  against  the  Lord  of  life,  who 
rise  up  against  him  that  is  meek  and  lowly?  Surely  this  is  a  wrong 
way  you  have  entered  into,  the  way  of  the  ungodly,  which  will  perish, 
and  not  the  way  to  peace;  for  in  these  things  you  heap  up  wrath  to 
yourselves  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and  revelation  of  the  righteous 
judgments  of  God.  In  this  way  you  shall  never  prosper,  nor  prevail; 
the  Lord  God  hath  spoken  it. 

For  this  is  the  way  of  the  wicked,  which  is  as  darkness,  (where  the 
stumbling  is,)  and  leads  into  the  chambers  of  death  and  destruction; 
this  is  the  sword  of  the  wicked,  which  you  have  drawn — it  shall  enter 
into  your  own  bowels.  And  if  you  thirst  for  our  blood,  you  may  have 
it  to  drink;  for  a  body  is  prepared.  And  we  fear  not  him  that  is  only 
able  to  kill  it,  but  the  Lord  our  God  alone,  he  is  our  fear,  and  he  is  our 
dread,  and  our  refuge  in  time  of  trouble;  who  is  taking  vengeance  on  you 
unawares,  in  a  way  you  know  not,  nor  will  you  believe  though  a 
man  declare  it  unto  you.  For  did  you  believe  it,  and  were  the  eye 
open  to  see  these  things,  you  would  fear,  and  dread,  and  tremble  at  the 
presence  of  the  pure,  powerful  God,  whose  swift  witness  is  coming  upon 
you  as  a  thief  in  the  night,  and  will  wound  your  hairy  scalp,  who  pro- 
ceed in  your  wickedness,  and  will  smite  the  head  of  his  enemies,  and 
strike  through  kings  in  the  day  of  his  wrath,  whose  fury  you  can- 
not escape.  And  all  your  high  mountains  by  him  will  be  overturned, 
who  think  to  rule  and  reign  over  the  meek  of  the  earth  by  your  height 
of  pride  and  cruelty.  Alas  for  you,  ye  tall  cedars!  a  fierce  wind  from 
the  Lord  God  shall  shake  you,  the  axe  is  laid  to  your  root,  and  you 
will  be  hewn  down  for  the  fire;  ye  raging  waves  of  the  sea!  you  foam 
out  your  own  shame,  and  cast  up  mire  and  dirt;  our  king  that  rides 
meekly  is  on  the  top  of  you  all,  and  on  your  head  doth  he  trample;  and 


71 


he  will  calm  this  storm  to  his  praise  and  glory,  and  to  your  utter  con- 
fusion who  rehel  against  him. 

Christ  Jesus,  the  light  of  the  world,  the  man  of  sorrows,  who  seeks 
not  honour  from  men,  whom  you  despise,  against  whom  you  are  risen 
up,  and  have  turned  your  sword,  he  is  our  king.    Hear  this  ye  rebels, 
ye  traitors!  the  Lord  God  will  stain  the  pride  of  your  glory,  and  lay  your 
earthly  honour  in  the  dust,  and  bring  you  into  contempt,  who  are  seeking 
honour  and  glory  to  yourselves  in  the  earth,  whose  peace  is  your  life, 
who  love  the  praise  of  men  and  pleasures  more  than  God;  a  sword  is 
coming  upon  you  all,  and  you  are  for  the  slaughter  of  the  great  King, 
who  is  our  lawgiver  and  saviour,  and  our  peace;  who  is  come  a  light  into 
the  world,  and  is  the  true  light  that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into 
the  world,  meek  and  lowly,  upon  the  wild  ass's  colt.    Hear  this,  ye  deaf, 
and  see  ye  blind,  and  be  still  and  hearken,  ye  floods  of  ungodly  men,  who 
compass  the  saints  about,  and  the  beloved  city,  wTith  lies  and  plottings  of 
falsehoods,  whereby  you  think  to  weary  out  the  dear  children  of  the  most 
Tiigh.  Fire  is  coming  down  from  God  out  of  heaven  to  devour  you,  and  you 
shall  not  be  able  to  quench  it.    Ye  are  the  pricking  briars  to  the  house 
of  Israel;  ye  are  the  thorns,  the  dross,  and  the  stubble,  the  Lord  God 
Almighty  of  power  will  you  consume;  the  decree  is  sealed  against  you.  A 
witness  I  am  for  the  eternal  God  of  life  against  you  all,  in  all  your  deeds 
of  darkness  and  hard  speeches.    My  outward  life  is  not  dear  unto  me, 
ye  devouring  beasts  of  the  field!  I  have  given  it  up,  and  you  may  take  it; 
for  he  that  departeth  from  iniquity  is  become  your  prey. 

But  the  Lord  God  will  plead  our  cause  in  righteousness,  and  his  eter- 
nal witness,  the  light  in  your  consciences,  will  answer  your  condemnation 
to  be  just,  and  your  destruction  to  be  of  yourselves.  For  you  have  been 
warned  from  time  to  time,  by  the  servants  of  the  Lord  without  you,  and 
reproved  by  the  light,  his  true  prophet,  within  you,  that  you  might 
escape  and  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come;  which  if  you  proceed  in  the 
hardness  of  your  hearts,  in  afflicting  his  dear  children,  it  will  overtake 
you.  And  because  of  these  things  my  soul  is  moved,  knowing  the  terrors 
of  the  Lord  against  you,  and  a  doleful  lamentation  is  on  me,  and  my  very 
bones  are  pained,  and  my  heart  is  hot  within  me.  The  whole  earth  is 
moved  with  the  fierce  indignation  of  the  Lord;  his  vengeance,  plagues,  and 
eternal  judgments  without  mercy,  do  I  proclaim  against  you  all  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Lord  God  of  hosts,  except  you  speedily  repent.  For  you 
have  grieved  his  spirit,  and  you  have  afflicted  his  dear  children  these  many 
months,  yet  have  you  been  entreated  by  them  with  many  tears,  and  often 
warned;  and  the  Lord  have  we  even  entreated  for  you  as  Abraham  did 
for  Sodom,  and  Moses  for  Pharoah,  that  you  might  not  wholly  be  con- 
demned with  an  utter  overthrow,  but  rather  that  you  might  repent  and 
live.    But  our  righteous  souls  are  vexed  and  grieved  with  your  pride, 


72 


rebellion,  and  filthy  conversation  from  day  to  day,  and  no  answer  from 
the  Lord  have  we  concerning  you,  but  the  red  sea  of  his  wrath,  wherein 
you  will  be  utterly  swallowed  and  drowned,  and  not  one  will  be  left; 
and  fire  from  heaven  as  snares  upon  you  will  be  rained;  for  every  tree 
that  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit,  shall  be  hewn  down  and  cast  into  the  fire ; 
and  every  plant  which  my  heavenly  Father  hath  not  planted  shall  be  rooted 
up.  Consider  this,  ye  that  forget  God,  ye  that  forget  mercy,  whose  bowels 
are  shut  up,  whose  hearts  are  hardened  from  his  righteous,  dreadful  fear, 
lest  he  tear  you  in  pieces,  and  there  be  none  to  deliver  you.  For  our 
God  is  a  consuming  fire,  and  is  terrible  to  the  heathen  that  know  him 
not,  whose  fire  is  in  Sion,  and  his  furnace  in  Jerusalem,  and  from  thence 
our  deliverer  comes,  who  turns  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob. 

But  are  not  envy,  persecution,  and  oppression,  ungodliness  and  wrath, 
pride  and  injustice — are  not  these  things  ungodliness  and  unrighteous- 
ness? Consider,  and  weigh  it  in  the  even  balance,  the  light  in  your 
consciences,  to  which  I  speak,  which  will  answer  the  truth  without  co- 
vering, and  is  my  witness  in  you  all  for  the  Lord  God,  and  heareth  my 
voice.  Therefore,  stop  not  the  ear,  lest  you  are  shut  out  forever ;  then 
shall  you  cry,  but  he  will  not  hear  you.  And  is  not  the  wrath  of  God 
to  be  revealed  from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighteous- 
ness of  men  ?  Or  is  envy,  pride,  cruelty,  oppression,  tyranny,  and  per- 
secution, and  laying  snares  for  the  innocent  and  harmless  without 
cauSe — is  this  good  fruit,  or  the  fruit  of  the  spirit  of  God?  (who  among 
the  saints  in  these  things  is  your  example?)  or  doth  the  heavenly  plant 
bring  forth  such  fruit?  Nay,  verily,  will  God's  witness  answer  me.  And 
are  any  the  sons  and  children  of  God,  but  who  are  joined  to  the 
heavenly  plant,  or  led  by  his  spirit  which  guides  into  all  truth,  out  of 
unrighteousness,  into  soberness,  quietness,  love,  peace,  patience,  long- 
suffering,  humility,  and  gentleness,  &c?  And  are  not  the  children  of 
God  in  these  things  manifest?  And  are  not  the  children  of  the  devil, 
in  the  other  ground  bringing  forth  other  fruit  of  the  curse,  also  mani- 
fest? But  if  you  will  not  hear,  nor  lay  these  things  to  heart,  and  give  ' 
over  afflicting,  oppressing,  and  grieving  my  dear  children,  and  tender 
babes,  that  cry  unto  me  night  and  day,  and  give  glory  to  my  great  and 
dreadful  name,  by  returning  from  the  evil  that  is  in  your  hands,  I  will 
destroy  you  and  your  seed  from  off  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  and 
blot  out  your  name  from  under  heaven,  and  your  remembrance  shall 
stink,  and  be  a  grief  to  my  chosen;  yet  shall  they  rejoice  over  you, 
when  the  .moke  of  your  torment  shall  ascend  up  forever  and  ever,saith 
the  Lord  God  Almighty. 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  these  people  whom  you  hate,  and  seek 
many  ways  to  ensnare,  and  take  counsel  together  against,  and  abuse, 
and  persecute,  and  imprison,  whip,  stone,  revile,  and  reproach  by  the 


73 


name  Quakers,  who  abide  faithful  to  my  son,  the  light  of  the  world, 
that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world;  they  are  dear  unto 
me,  my  chosen,  my  dear  children,  my  beloved  ones;  and  he  that  touch- 
eth  them,  toucheth  the  apple  of  mine  eye,  whose  cry  is  entered  into 
mine  ears,  and  my  pity  is  towards  them,  and  my  bowels  are  moved  for 
them,  for  whose  sake  I  will  reprove  kings,  and  kingdoms  shall  be  over- 
thrown that  rise  up  against  them,  and  every  tongue  that  rises  up  in  judg- 
ment against  them,  will  I  condemn.  For  I  the  Lord  search  the  heart, 
and  try  the  reins,  and  will  reward  every  man  according  to  his  deeds. 

Therefore,  consider  these  things,  ye  proud  and  scornful  men,  who  are 
of  the  birth  born  after  the  flesh,  persecuting  the  birth  of  the  spirit,  being 
moved  with  envy  and  wrath,  which  are  of  the  devil,  against  an  innocent 
people,  whom  the  Lord  God  will  preserve,  and  doth,  though  out  of  your 
sight,  whom  the  God  of  this  world  hath  blinded,  and  all  you  false  teach- 
ers, deceitful  workers,  who  use  your  tongues  both  to  pray  and  also  to 
lie,  slander,  and  revile,  whose  hearts  are  exercised  in  covetous  practices, 
and  yet  sometimes,  for  a  cloak,  will  speak  against  it,  as  if  one  fountain 
can  yield  salt  water  and  fresh.  But  your  skirts  are  discovered  upon 
your  face,  and  you  shall  be  made  manifest  to  them  that  yet  see  you  not, 
and  shall  be  a  by- word  to  nations.  Ye  proud,  profane  hirelings!  ye 
treacherous  priests  of  England!  from  you  profaneness  is  gone  forth  into 
all  the  land,  who  by  your  lies  and  by  your  lightness  have  caused  many 
to  err;  the  Lord  God  will  root  you  out  without  hand,  and  the  very  sa- 
vour of  your  root  shall  become  loathsome  to  the  earth,  which  is  weary 
to  bare  you,  and  your  foundation  shall  be  utterly  swept  away,  and  no 
place  for  it  shall  be  found.  For  you  have  been  founded  upon  and  up- 
held by  the  beastly  nature  and  seed  of  enmity,  within  and  without,  of 
which  now  the  Lord  God  of  endless  strength  is  making  an  utter  end,  and 
none  shall  be  able  to  deliver  out  of  his  hand.  Therefore  is  a  cry  heard 
among  you  to  the  hills  and  to  the  mountains  of  the  earth,  to  hide  and 
cover  you  from  the  wrath  of  the  lamb,  against  whom  you  make  war, 
who  is  the  light  of  the  world,  and  your  condemnation  whose  deeds  are 
evil:  but  the  mountains  shall  be  overturned  with  the  fierce  indignation 
of  the  Lord,  and  cast  into  the  sea  of  confusion  and  torment  with  you, 
who  strive  to  hide  you  from  the  day  that  makes  manifest,  and  from  the 
stroke  of  his  righteous  judgments.  And  the  fury  of  the  Lord  God  Al- 
mighty will  sweep  the  land  of  evil-doers,  and  no  place  shall  be  found 
for  the  worker  of  iniquity ;  but  shame  and  confusion  of  faces  shall  come 
upon  you,  and  you  shall  gnaw  your  tongues  for  pain,  and  shall  curse 
your  God  and  your  king.  For  a  dreadful  and  bitter  day  is  hastening 
upon  you  all,  who  are  in  the  enmity  against  the  meek  spirit,  in  Cain's 
nature,  vagabond  from  God,  in  the  earth,  where  your  names  are  write 
ten,  and  not  in  the  lamb's  book  of  life,  that  was  slain  from  the  founda- 

10 


14 


tion  of  the  world,  (the  foundation  of  transgression,)  when  envy,  and 
pride,  and  vain  glory,  had  a  foundation — the  lamb,  the  meek  spirit, 
was  slain  by  it.  Hear  this,  ye  that  have  an  ear  to  hear;  for  he  shall 
reign  and  get  the  victory  that  was  dead  and  is  alive  forevermore,  and 
►  hath  the  key  of  David,  and  shall  overcome,  and  have  the  dominion,  and 
rule,  and  have  authority  over  all  the  kingdoms  of  men.  O  ye  foolish 
and  without  understanding!  have  ye  not  read,  that  the  lamb  that  was 
slain  is  worthy  to  receive  power,  riches,  wisdom,  strength,  honour,  gloryy 
and  blessing;  and  that  he  shall  prevail  though  ten  kings  make  war  with 
him?  Consider  this,  ye  that  strive  with  your  Maker,  by  whom  you  will 
be  broken  in  pieces  like  a  potter's  vessel.  And  was  it  not  the  dragon, 
which  is  cast  out  of  heaven,  that  makes  war  with  the  lamb?  And  was 
it  not  the  devil  which  had  great  wrath,  when  he  saw  he  had  but  a  short 
time?  And  was  it  not  the  great  red  dragon,  the  old  serpent,  that  made 
war  with  the  woman  and  the  remnant  of  her  seed  who  kept  the  com- 
mandments of  God,  and  had  the  testimony  of  Jesus?  These  are 
they,  the  devil,  the  serpent,  and  his  seed,  make  war  against,  them 
that  keep  the  commands  of  God,  and  have  the  testimony  of  Jesus,, 
who  saith,  "Believe  in  the  light;"  and,  "How  can  ye  believe  which  re- 
ceive honour  one  of  another? "  and  saith,  "Swear  not  at  all ;"  and,  "  They 
shall  hale  you  out  of  their  synagogues,  and  bring  you  before  rulers  and 
governors  for  my  name's  sake,  and  this  shall  turn  to  you  for  a  testimony." 
Mark,  for  his  sake  that  saith,  "  Swear  not  at  all;'r  for  his  name's  sake 
that  respecteth  not  the  person  of  any  man;  for  his  name's  sake  that  saithr 
"How  can  ye  believe  that  receive  honour  one  of  another?"  for  his  name's 
sake  that  testifies  against  the  works  of  the  world  that  are  evil- — haled 
out  of  the  synagogues,  brought  before  rulers,  persecuted  and  despitefully 
used  for  his  sake,  for  keeping  his  commandments  and  bearing  his  testi- 
mony, against  whom  the  serpent  and  his  seed  make  war.  Here  is  the 
testimony.  But  the  woman  that  brings  forth  the  man-child,  against 
whom  the  dragon  cast  out  his  floods  of  reproach  and  persecution,  was 
hid  from  the  face  of  the  serpent.    Glory  to  the  Lord  forever. 

And  is  not  the  lamb  the  light  of  the  holy  city,  where  the  dogs  that 
bite,  and  the  unclean  devouring  beasts,  shall  not  enter,  but  are  shut  out,, 
and  all  liars  and  unbelievers,  who  believe  not  in  the  light  of  the  world,, 
in  the  lamb  of  God,  that  taketh  away  the  sin,  whose  kingdom  and  glory 
is  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  the  world,  whose  face  to  them  is 
marred,  and  his  form  more  than  the  sons  of  men,  who  know' not  the 
bride,  the  lamb's  wife.  For  the  glory  of  the  king's  daughter  is  withinr 
and  not  of  the  visible  world,  therefore  the  world  knoweth  her  not;  and 
the  princes  of  this  world  never  knew  the  Lord  of  glory,  who  lighteth 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world.  Hearken  ye  bitter  spirits,  ye 
hasty,  rash,  and  high-minded  men,  whose  wrath  and  pride  blind  your 


75 


understandings,  that  you  cannot  perceive  the  invisible  and  eternal  thing* 
of  God,  but  are  tossed  in  the  sea.  of  confusion  and  darkness,  and  cannot 
rest.  Consider  these  things.  Are  not  we,  whom  you  hale  and  perse- 
cute, and  make  a  great  stir  and  noise  about,  as  a  city  set  on  a  hill,  which 
cannot  be  hid,  and  unknown  to  you?  Yea,  verily,  we  are.  And  are 
cot  we,  whom  you  grievously  afflict  without  cause,  as  the  light  of  the 
world,  and  the  salt  of  the  earth  now?  And  can  you  endure  the  savour 
of  them  that  fear  the  living  God,  and  worship  him  in  the  spirit  and  in 
the  truth  amongst  you?  Are  you  not  like  the  horse  that  smells  the  battle 
afar  off,  and  rageth  when  he  hears  the  sound  of  a  trumpet?  But  the 
trumpet  of  the  Lord  God  is  sounded  out  of  Sion,  and  you  shall  tremble, 
and  your  whole  foundation  shall  be  shaken.    The  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Come,  let  us  try  you,  ye  that  cry  peace,  and  cry  for  peace!  Can  you  en- 
dure to  be  tried  by  the  light  of  the  son  of  God,  who  seeks  not  honour  from 
men,  but  is  meek  and  without  guile,  and  saith,  M  Swear  not  at  all,"  and 
saith,  "I  came  not  to  send  peace  on  earth,  but  a  sword?"  Come,  how  do 
cyou  feel  his  life  and  words,  that  respecteth  not  the  person  of  any  man, 
and  denies  the  glory  of  the  world,  and  testifieth  against  the  evil  thereof, 
without  respect  of  persons,  whether  in  rulers,  priests,  or  people;  and  saith, 
"How  can  you  believe,  that  receive  honour  one  of  another,  and  seek 
not  the  honour  that  cometh  from  God  only?"  Are  his  words  peace  to 
your  life?  and  do  you  savour  them  well  as  a  joy  to  you?  Or  are  they  as 
a  sword  in  your  bowels,  and  cut  you  to  the  heart  as  Stephen's  did,  when 
he  spake  to  the  council,  scribes?  priests,  and  elders,  and  people, 
who  gnashed  on  him  with  their  teeth,  and  stoned  him  for  the  testimony 
of  Jesus?  Come,  try  your  peace,  whether  it  be  in  the  earth,  upon  which 
the  sword  is  to  come,  or  whether  he  is  your  peace,  that  brings  the  sword 
upon  the  earth,  who  seeks  not  honour  from  men,  who  is  the  condemna- 
tion of  them  whose  deeds  are  evil.  And  see  if  you  can  endure  the  salting 
with  fire,  and  the  day  of  trial,  and  the  hour  of  temptation,  that  will  come 
upon  all  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth  to  try  them.  And  do  you  not 
dwell  on  the  earth,  who  are  seeking  earthly  honour,  and  imprisoning  for 
it?  and  will  not  the  sword  of  God's  righteous  judgments  come  upon  you 
for  these  things?  See  how  you  exceed  your  father,  who  did  but  tempt, 
and  not  imprison  the  son  of  God,  when  he  would  not  bow  down  nor  wor- 
ship him.  Think  on  this  and  tremble,  ye  seed  of  evil  doers,  and  consider 
your  ways,  and  the  whole  course  of  your  lives,  and  the  end  thereof;  and 
see  if  you  can  dwell  with  devouring  fire,  and  with  the  everlasting  burn- 
ings. For  a  fire  the  Lord  God  of  our  life  is  kindling  among  you,  and  the 
thickets  of  the  forest,  and  the  ravenous  beasts,  and  the  false  prophets 
shall  be  consumed  by  it;  and  the  day  is  at  hand,  that  a  sword  shall  be 
upon  your  right  arm,  and  it  shall  be  dried  up,  and  your  right  eye  shall 
be  utterly  darkened.    And  you  shall  look  for  light,  but  behold  darkness, 


76 


and  dimness,  and  blindness,  and  anguish,  and  vexation  of  spirit,  with  bitter 
lamentation — and  for  a  comforter,  but  there  will  be  none,  because  you 
have  despised  reproof,  and  did  not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  but  have 
said  in  your  hearts,  "There  is  no  God,  and  what  Lord  shall  control  us?" 
Therefore,  God's  righteous  witness,  (the  light  in  your  consciences,  which 
makes  manifest  the  hidden  things  of  dishonesty,)  will  judge  and  condemn 
you  for  all  your  ungodly  deeds  and  hard  speeches,  that  you  ungodly  have 
committed  and  spoken  against  him  and  his  dear  children;  and  that  is  nigh 
you  which  will  tell  the  matter.  And  he  that  seeth  in  secret  will  reward 
you  openly,  according  to  the  works  of  your  hands;  and  will  let  you  see  all 
that  ever  you  have  acted;  in  whose  living  power  and  life  I  now  warn  you 
to  consider  your  ways,  and  repent  while  you  have  yet  time,  and  prize 
this  your  visitation,  lest  it  stand  a  dreadful  witness  for  the  Lord  God 
against  you,  and  the  thing  that  belongs  to  your  eternal  peace  be  forever 
hid  from  your  eyes,  and  your  house  left  unto  you  desolate. 

This  is  a  warning  from  the  spirit  of  the  living  God  in  his  servant,  who 
suffers  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  for  his  precious  truth's  sake,  who  desires 
not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  might  turn  from  his 
wickedness  and  live;  and  am  in  the  house  of  correction  at  Winchester, 
where  I  have  freely  given  up  my  life  in  the  will  of  God,  if  it  be  to  the 
finishing  my  testimony  against  a  sinful  and  adulterous  generation — to 
wThich  prison  I  was  sent  as  a  wanderer  from  the  town  in  which  I  was 
born,  and  which  is  in  the  same  county,  and  have  been  kept  near  twelve 
months,  because  I  cannot  promise  to  go  home — against  whom  no  evil  or 
breach  of  law  hath  been  charged,  though  two  assizes  and  four  sessions 
have  passed  in  the  time  of  my  imprisonment;  who  am  of  the  world  called, 

William  Bayly. 

A  Voice  and  visitation  of  God  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Isle  of 

Wight. 

The  Lord  God  Almighty  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  is  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob,  is  risen,  with  his  eternal,  dreadful  power,  to 
gather,  and  to  scatter,  and  no  people,  powers,  or  nations,  shall  be  able 
to  stop  his  way.  For  he,  in  whose  presence  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
are  but  as  a  drop  of  a 'bucket,  is  risen  as  a  giant  to  the  battle;  and  he, 
who  maketh  war  in  righteousness,  is  gone  forth  conquering^ and  to  conquer, 
out  of  whose  mouth  goeth  a  sharp  two  edged  sword,  with  which  he  will  slay 
the  wicked,  and  cut  the  heathen  that  rage  asunder.  For  the  Lord  God  of 
life  and  terrible  majesty  is  now  risen  to  judge  for  the  meek  of  the  earth, 
and  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  against  him  that  is  too  strong  for  him, 


77 

and  is  now  making  inquisition  for  blood,  And  he  remembereth  the  cry 
of  the  humble,  for  the  year  of  his  redeemed  is  come,  and  the  day  of 
vengeance  is  in  his  heart.  He  proclaimeth,  "liberty  to  the  captives, 
and  the  opening  of  the  prison  doors  to  them  that  are  bound;"  who  hears 
the  groanings  of  his  precious  seed,  and  for  its  sake  is  come  down  to  de- 
liver. 

Therefore,  wo,  thick  darkness,  and  dreadful  plagues,  will  come  upon 
Pharaoh  and  all  his  host,  who  oppress  the  righteous  seed,  the  born 
of  God,  in  the  land  of  your  darkness,  and  house  of  bondage !  For  the 
prophet  of  the  Lord  God,  like  unto  Moses,  (who  sctteth  before  man  good 
and  evil,  lite  and  death,  the  blessing  and  the  curse,)  which  God  hath  raised 
up  in  the  midst  of  his  brethren,  which  all  are  to  hear,  he  is  now  trying 
Pharaoh,  or  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men,  who  are  hardened  from  his 
fear,  who  love  the  darkness  rather  than  the  light,  because  their  deeds 
are  evil,  and  refuse  to  let  that  go  which  groaneth,  and  doth  sigh  and 
cry  for  deliverance,  and  hungers  and  thirsts  after  righteousness;  which 
being;  desolate  and  trodden  under  foot  in  many,  it  mourneth  unto  him, 
and  the  cry  of  it  is  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  God  of  rest.  And 
this  is  the  seed  which  the  Lord  is  gathering  into  his  garner  of  eternal 
dominion  and  peace;  and  all  the  chaff  which  about  it  oppresseth,  though 
in  a  profession  without  the  life  and  power  of  the  seed,  will  the  Lord  God 
consume  with  the  unquenchable  fire. 

Therefore,  take  heed,  and  be  you  warned  of  the  Lord  God  of  heaven, 
all  ve  rulers,  governors,  and  people  of  the  earth,  and  all  you  of  this  isle, 
and  whom  the  Lord  God  Almighty  hath  moved  many  of  his  dear  servants, 
in  the  dreadful,'pure  power  of  his  might,  and  in  the  bowels  of  his  love,tp\isit 
your  souls.  I  say,  take  heed  of  striving  to  hinder  this,  the  great,  mighty, 
and  powerful  work  of  God's  love  amongst  the  children  of  men,  as  you 
will  answer  it  before  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  lamb,  who  is  the 
light  of  the  world,  and  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  to 
whom  all  judgment  and  power  is  committed,  who  is  now  come  to  judge 
the  word  in  righteousness,  and  the  people  with  his  truth.  And  he  must 
reign  till  all  his  enemies  are  brought  under  his  feet:  "the  Lord  God 
of  everlasting  strength  hath  spoken  it."  For  he  is  now  coming  "in  ten 
thousands  of  his  saints,"  to  convince  all  that  are  ungodly  amongj  you  of 
their  ungodly  deeds,  which  they  have  ungodlily  committed,  and  of  all  their 
hard  speeches,  which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  him,  who  is 
the  true  light,  that  lr6hteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  who 
upon  them  will  execute  the  judgment  written.  For  now  is  the  word  of 
life  fulfilling  hps  promise,  which  he  hath  spoken  by  his  former  prophets, 
that  in  the  last  days  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established 
upon  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills;  and 
many  people  shall  flow  unto  it,  and  shall  go  and  say,  "Come  ye  and  let 


78 


us  go  up  unto  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob, 

and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths;"  and  "let 
us  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord."  So  that  the  head  stone,  the  mountain 
of  the  Lord's  house,  which  the  wise  master-builders  have  rejected  and 
refused,  (who  is  the  light  of  the  world,  the  eternal  wisdom  and  power  of 
God,)  is  he  establishing  upon  the  top  of  all  your  dark  mountains  of  pride, 
envy,  and  ambition,  and  exalting  above  your  lofty  hills  of  oppression  and 
rage.    And  "his  day,"  who  is  the  light,  "shall  be  upon  every  one  that 
is  proud,  and  upon  every  one  that  is  high  and  lifted  up,  and  he  shall  be 
brought  low,  and  the  Lord  God  alone  shall  be  exalted  in  that  day;" 
for  the  decree  is  gone  forth,  and  the  consuming  fire  is  kindled 
among  the  thickets  of  the  forest,  and  his  eternal  love  is  stream- 
ing forth  towards  the  meek  in  the  earth;  and  against  this  his  mighty 
and  powerful  work,  the  gates  of  hell,  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  dark- 
ness of  this  world  shall  never  prevail:  the  eternal  Lord  God  of  heaven 
and  earth  hath  spoken  it.    Therefore,  in  vain  do  all  the  potsherds 
of  the  earth  strive  with  their  maker;  and  they  that  resist,  resist  not 
man  but  God,  who  is  the  higher  power,  that  lighteth  every  man  that 
cometh  into  the  world;  and  such  receive  to  themselves  damnation.  For 
to  him  we  are  subject,  who  rides  meekly  upon  the  foal  of  an  ass,  the 
wild  ass's  colt,  (he  that  readeth  let  him  understand,)  and  he  is  our  peace, 
in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile.    Therefore,  let  none  be  high  minded, 
but  fear;  for  thou,  O  man,  who  art  lifted  up  above  the  stem  of  Jesse,  and 
the  offspring  of  David,  bearest  not  the  root  but  the  root  thee.  Therefore 
thou  art  to  fear  and  dread  the  presence  of  the  living  God,  and  depart 
from  evil;  and  this  is  the  beginning  of  the  eternal  wisdom,  which  is  justi- 
fied of  her  children,  which  is  from  above,  pure,  peaceable,  meek,  gentle, 
sober,  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  whose  voice  is  to  you  in  the  power  of 
its  love,  ye  people  of  this  Island,  and  this  will  lead  you,  if  you  embrace 
it,  into  its  own  paths,  which  are  eternal  peace.    And  this  leads  out  of 
rashness,  crookedness,  and  perverseness,  and  out  of  headiness,  and  high 
mindedness,  and  out  of  all  the  lusts  and  pleasures  of  sin,  which  are  but  for  a 
season.    And  this  brings  to  be  just,  merciful,  and  tender  hearted,  and  to 
speak  truth  every  man  to  his  neighbour.  And  this  will  lead  to  entertain 
strangers,  when  by  it  you  come  to  see  that  yourselves  have  been  strangers 
to  the  life  of  God,  which  is  holy,  just,  and  righteous,  and  full  of  good  faith. 
And  this  will  let  you  soldiers  see,  that  you  ought  not  to  do  violence,  or 
accuse  any  man  falsely;  and  that  you  ought  to  live  soberly  and  righteously 
in  this  present  world.    For  all  men  shall  know  that  the  captain  of  our 
salvation,  (which  was  made  perfect  through  sufferings,  who  is  the  true 
light  that  is  gone  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer  with  his  eternal 
arm  of  power,)  is  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  and  must  reign  over  the 
world,  and  all  its  enmity  and  haughty  powers  of  darkness,  which  are  but 


79 


as  a  vapour.    For  by  him  the  world  was  made;  and  he  is  the  heir,  that 

is  now  come  to  take  peace  from  the  earth,  and  to  call  and  gather  into 
his  vineyard  of  eternal  life.  And  those  that  are  willing  and  obedient  shall 
eat  the  good  of  the  land;  but  those  that  refuse  and  rebel,  shall  be  devoured 
with  his  sword.    The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

This  of  the  Lord  of  life  was  I  moved,  in  this  Island  to  speak  forth,  as 
a  visitation  and  warning  from  him,  unto  you  the  inhabitants  thereof,  both 
governors,  soldiers,  priests,  and  people,  on  the  the  8th  of  the  11th  month, 
1658;  who  am  a  servant  of  the  living  God  of  Abraham,  called, 


William  Bayly, 


A  SHORT  DISCOVERY 


OF  THE 


STATE  OF  MAN 


BEFORE  THE  FALL,  IN  THE  FALL,  AND  OUT  OF  THE  FALL  AGAIN. 


Wherein  is  also  laid  open  the  ignorance  and  error  of  Robert  Hall,  preacher 
at  Colebrooke,  in  Buckinghamshire,  and  Edmund  Board,  of  the  same  town, 
a  professor,  who  are  contentious,  obeying  not  the  truth  which  they  be  erred 
from,  but  do  oppose  themselves  against  it,  as  may  be  seen  with  the  single  eye 
in  that  which followeth. 


— V 

BY  WILLIAM  BAYLY. 


"The  Lord  frusuateth  the  tokens  of  the  liars,  and  maketh  diviners  mad;  he  turneth 
wise  men  backward,  and  maketh  their  knowledge  foolish." — haiah  xliv.  25. 
M  But  the  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear  him." — Psalm  xxv,  14. 


PHI LAD  EL  PHI  A: 

MARCUS  T.  C.  GOULD,  No.  6,  NORTH  EIGHTH  ST  RE  LIT. 

NEW  YORK.- 
Isaac  t.  hopper,  no.  t:o,  pearl  strelt. 

1830 


A  SHORT  DISCOVERY 

OF  THE 

STATE  OF  MAN,  &c. 


In  the  4th  month,  59,  at  a  meeting  in  Colebrooke,  as  I  was  moved  of 
the  Lord,  I  spake  these  words:  "Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  can  in  no  wise  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God." 
And  I  also  declared,  that  "God  made  man  in  his  image,  after  his  likeness, 
having  dominion,  and  was  blessed  of  God."  Gen.  i.  26,  28.  Also,  "that 
this  state  was  lost  from  Adam,  (in  which  he  was  blessed,)  by  reason  of 
sin  and  transgression,  which  brought  the  curse.  Mark,  man  was  made 
in  the  image  of  God,  and  in  that  state  was  blessed.  Here  was  the  first  word 
man  (in  the  image  of  God)  that  ever  I  read  of  in  scripture."  "  Let  us  make 
man  in  our  image,  after  our  likeness,  and  let  him  have  dominion."  Gen. 
i.  26.  Man  in  the  image  of  God,  like  God,  upright,  having  dominion, 
blessed  of  God.  Mark,  this  state  was  lost  and  erred  from  by  transgression, 
transgression  lost  the  dominion,  shuts  out  of  the  kingdom;  therefore,  ex- 
cept a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  or  domi- 
nion of  God,  nor  be  blessed  of  God,  nor  be  in  the  likeness  or  image 
of  God.  These  things  I  did  and  do  still  affirm  and  testify,  and  that  as 
Adam  lost  the  dominion,  the  peace,  and  the  blessing  of  God,  going  from 
God  into  transgression,  so  must  all  that  ever  enter  the  kingdom  again — 
which  is  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  holy  spirit — come  to  the 
light,  which  Christ  Jesus  hath  enlightened  them  withal,  (which  shows 
them  sin,)  and  believe  in  it,  and  obey  it,  to  be  led  out  of  transgression  by 
it,  up  to  God  again.  This  is  the  work  of  the  last  Adam,  to  destroy  the 
works  of  the  devil,  to  quicken  up  to  God  again,  and  to  bring  again  that 
which  was  driven  away  by  transgression,  [mark  that]  Ezek.  xxxiv.  4.  "For 
it  is  your  iniquities  that  have  separated  between  you  and  your  God,  and 
your  sins  have  hid  his  face  from  you."  Isa.  lix.  3, 4.  "For  this  purpose  was 
the  son  of  God  manifested,  to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil."  1  John,  iii. 
8.  Mark,  to  destroy  that  which  the  devil  had  wrought,  disobedience, 
transgression,  all  unrighteousness  and  sin.  "This  the  devil  wrought,  the 
old  serpent,  when  he  led  man  out  from  God,  who  is  light,  into  darkness,  the 
thick  cloud,  the  separation,  (Isa.  xliv.  22.)  which  must  be  broken  down 


84 


and  destroyed  by  the  power  of  God,  before  fallen  man  can  be  reconciled 
to  God  again. 

Now  such  were  the  things  which  these  men,  Robert  Hall  and  Edmund 
Board,  opposed,  saying,  my  doctrine  tended  to  no  other  thing,  than  to 
bring  people  from  Christ,  to  be  as  the  first  Adam  was,  who,  said  they, 
was  not  in  Christ,  neither  had  he  the  holy  spirit,  said  Robert  Hall,  in  his 
first  state,  but  was  earthly;  and  that  the  breath  of  life,  which  God 
breathed  into  man,  whereby  he  became  a  living  soul,  was  a  created 
thing.  These  things  were  by  them  spoken  before  many  people,  bringing 
the  apostle's  words  in  their  dark  minds,  where  he  said,  "The  first  man  is 
of  the  earth,  earthly,"  &c.  Now  the  scripture  is  true;  the  first  Adam 
was  in  two  states — who  will  deny  it?  but  I  query,  whether  the  first 
state  of  the  first  man  was  earthly,  seeing  he  was  made  in  the  image  of 
God,  in  his  likeness,  without  sin,  upright,  and  was  blessed  of  God,  having 
dominion  and  peace  with  God?  I  know  the  first  Adam  became  earthy, 
when  drove  from  God  by  transgression  into  the  earth,  after  he  had 
transgressed,  and  was  afraid  of  God,  when  he  saw  his  nakedness,  and 
hid  himself.  Mark!  he  had  a  self  now  to  hide,  after  transgression;  then 
it  was,  "I  heard  thy  voice,  and  was  afraid."  Here  was  a  division  and 
separation,  I  and  thy,  twain,  after  transgression,  but  not  before,  [mark 
that:]  so  here  is  the  state  of  the  whole  world,  in  transgression,  afraid  of 
God,  driven  from  God  into  the  earth,  hiding  and  covering  self,  and  loving 
and  embracing  that  which  God  will  destroy. 

Now,  these  men  granted  and  confessed,  that  man  in  his  first  state  had 
peace  with  God,  and  was  without  sin,  in  the  image,  likeness,  and  dominion 
of  God,  and  was  blessed  of  God.  But,  said  Robert  Hall,  he  had  not  then 
the  holy  spirit;  and  said  Edmund  Board,  he  was  not  in  Christ  in  that 
state.  Now  this  is  to  be  considered  with  a  sober  mind  in  the  light. 

Christ  Jesus  is  called  the  "image  of  God,"  (who  was  without  sin;*)  and 
man  was  made  in  the  image  of  God,  before  sin  and  transgression  were, 
after  the  likeness  of  God,  and  had  dominion,  and  was  blessed  of  God; 
and  saith  the  scripture,  "Adam,  which  was  the  son  of  God."f  Then  I 
thus  query;  could  Adam  be  in  the  image  of  God,  without  sin,  in  the 
likeness  of  God,  the  son  of  God,  at  peace  with  God,  and  blessed  of  God, 
and  yet  not  have  the  holy  spirit,  nor  be  in  Christ?  Is  not  God  holy?  And 
can  any  be  in  his  image,  like  him,  but  such  as  are  holy?  or  be  in  peace 
with  him,  but  who  are  holy,  seeing  the  scripture  saith,  "There  is  no  peace 
to  the  wicked,  saith  my  God;"J  and  "without  holiness,  no  man  shall  see 
the  Lord;"§  and  "Be  ye  holy,  for  I  the  Lord  your  God  am  holy?"||  Can 
any  man  be  the  son  of  God,  or  like  God,  or  blessed  of  God,  and  not  be 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  4.  f  Luke  iii.  38.  *  Jsa.  Ivii.  21.  §  Heb.  xii.  14. 

H  Levit.  xix.  2. 


85 


holy?*  Let  the  just  answer.  Or  can  any  be  holy,  like  God,  in  the  image 
of  God,  without  the  holy  spirit?  If  thou  say  no,  none  can  be  like  God 
(who  is  holy)  but  such  as  are  holy,  and  that  none  can  be  holy  without 
the  holy  spirit,  then  whether  man  had  not  the  holy  spirit  when  he  was  in 
the  image  of  God,  the  son  of  God,  in  peace,  and  blessed  of  God,  before  sin 
and  transgression  were?  or  can  any  be  the  sons  of  God,  at  peace,  reconciled 
to  God  again,  without  Christ  and  the  holy  spirit?  Yea  or  nay.  Or  doth 
God  speak  peace  to  that  which  is  not  like  him?  or  is  his  blessings  to  two 
seeds  or  but  to  one?  Yea  or  nay.f 

Now,  if  any  other  shall  say,  that  man,  in  his  first  state,  in  the  image  of 
God,  before  sin  and  transgression  were,  when  he  was  blessed  of  God,  had 
not  then  the  holy  spirit,  neither  was  he  in  Christ;  then  do  I  query — what 
and  whose  spirit  was  it,  which  he  had,  when  he  was  made  in  the  image 
of  God,  and  blessed ?J  Self  was  not  before  transgression,  and  Christ  being 
the  image  of  God,  without  sin,  and  man  being  made  in  the  image  of  God, 
before  sin  and  transgression  and  self,  was  blessed  of  God,  having  domi- 
nion over  the  earth,  and  the  creatures;  then  what  or  who  stood  he  in, 
if  not  in  Christ?  Or  what  spirit  was  he  guided  and  upheld  by,  before 
transgression,  if  not  by  the  holy  spirit?  Or  what  was  his  fall,  and  what 
fell  he  from,  when  he  transgressed?  Did  he  fall  from  that  which  was 
earthly,  or  from  that  which  was  holy,  pure,  and  eternal,  of  God?  Yea  or 
nay  ?  Consider  it. 

But  if  any  should  say,  that  man's  first  state  was  earthly,  (as  these 
men  have  said,)  then  say  I,  man  fell  from  that  which  was  earthly;  for 
he  fell  from  his  first  state  by  transgression.  Did  he  not  fall  from  that 
which  he  transgressed?  Or  do  any  now  fall  from  that  which  is  earthly, 
or  from  that  which  is  heavenly,  when  they  transgress  and  sin  against 
God?  Let  God's  witness  in  you  answer. 

Objection. — But  doth  not  the  scripture  say,  the  first  man  is  of  the 
earth,  earthy;  and  the  second  is  the  Lord  from  heaven;  and  as  we  have 
borne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  so  shall  we  bear  the  image  of  the  heaven- 
ly? 1  Cor.  xv.  47. 

Jinswer. — Yea,  it  doth  so,  and  the  scripture  is  true;  but  he  speaks 
of  a  mystery,  vers.  51.  which  the  blind  cannot  see;  and  a  light  mind  in 
vanity,  and  lust,  and  rebellion  against  God,  cannot  weigh  the  weight 
of  holy  men's  words,  being  from  the  light  in  them,  the  just  balance; 
neither  can  men,  by  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  comprehend  and  discern 
spiritual  things.  Therefore  must  all  people  upon  earth  be  brought  to 
the  light,  which  they  be  lighted  withal,  which  comes  from  Christ,  the 
first  and  the  last,  the  saviour  out  of  transgression,  before  the/  can  see 
and  know  that  state  which  was  before  sin  and  transgression  were;  for  in 


*  1  Pet.  i.  16. 


f  Gal.  iii.  16. 


\  2  Cor.  iv.  4. 


>6 


the  dark  thou  canst  not  see  things  that  differ;  (iniquity  is  darkness;)  but 
come  to  the  light  which  condemns  sin,  and  in  it  wait,  and  thou  wilt  see 
a  great  difference,  between  a  state  before  sin  and  transgression  were, 
and  a  state  in  transgression;  between  a  state  in  peace,  and  blessed  of 
God,  in  the  image  of  God,  the  son  of  God,  and  a  state  under  condemna- 
tion, wrath,  and  the  curse  of  God,  out  of  his  image,  out  of  his  son,  a 
transgressor,  afraid  of  God,  without  peace  and  the  blessing  of  God;  for 
both  these  states  Adam  was  in,  the  first  before  he  transgressed,  the 
other  after  transgression.  So  the  wages  of  sin  is  the  curse  and  death, 
which  came  by  sin,  by  transgression,  in  which  state  Adam  was  driven 
from  God  into  the  earth;  and  this  image  all  transgressors  have  borne. 
And  the  apostle  said,  "Ye  were  sometimes  darkness,  &c.  envying  one 
another,  living  in  malice,  hating  and  hateful."*  Here  was  the  image 
which  they  had  borne,  but  were  waiting  to  bear  another  image,f  to  put  on 
Christ,  and  walk  in  him,  who  is  the  image  of  God,  the  first  and  the  last.  J 

Now,  if  any  can  say,  that  the  apostle,  or  them  to  whom  he  thus  spake, 
had  ever  borne  that  image  which  Adam  was  in  before  sin  or  transgres- 
sion entered  into  the  world,  then  let  me  know  when  it  was  they  bore 
it?  If  thou  shalt  say,  when  they  were  infants,  having  done  neither  good 
nor  evil,  they  were  in  that  state;  then  let  me  query,  whether  all  men 
since  transgression,  (in  the  natural  state.)  were  not  conceived  in  sin,  and 
born  in  iniquity]  Yea  or  nay?  And  whether  the  apostle  and  those  he  spoke 
to,  had  any  other  birth  before  regeneration  in  Christ,  the  way  to  God  again, 
the  truth,  the  light,  the  life,  the  first  and  the  last,  the  image  of  God? 

Objection, — But  how  could  Adam  be  in  Christ  before  Christ  came 
into  the  world,  or  was  born  of  the  Virgin,  seeing  Adam  was  made  in  the 
image  of  God  long  before  ?  Could  he  be  made  in  Christ,  or  by  Christ, 
before  Christ  was?    How  can  these  things  be? 

•Answer. — The  word  Christ  in  letters  Christ,  was  not  known,  neither 
was  there  any  occasion  of  them,  before  man  had  transgressed,  and  lost 
that  life  in  and  by  which  he  was  created.  But  the  power  which  was 
in  that  man,  or  body,  which  suffered  without  the  gate  of  Jerusalem,  was 
before  the  body  or  creature  was  made.  And  it  was  the  power  of  the 
most  high  which  overshadowed  the  virgin;  and  said  he,  "A  body  hast 
thou  prepared  me;"  mark,  this  was  the  life  and  power  in  the  body 
which  spoke,  in  whom  the  fulness  of  the  godhead  dwelt!  And  he  spake 
and  prayed  to  his  Father,  which  was  in  him.§  So,  though  he  was  not 
known  by  them  letters,  or  the  name  Christ,  yet  he  was  with  the  Father 
glorified  before  the  world  began,  and  was  the  word  in  the  beginning,  || 
by  whom  the  world  was  made,  who  said,  "Before  Abraham  was,  I  am;"1F 
but  the  name  or  letters  Christ,  was  not  until  many  hundred  years  after. 

*  Gen.  iii.  24.      f  Ilev.  iii.  17.      *  2  Cor.  iv.  4.      §  John  xiv.  11.     |j  John  i.  1. 
^  John  viii.  8. 


So  thou  mayest  see,  that  the  Christ  of  God,  the  word,  by  whom  all  things 
were  made,  was  before  it  was  made,  glorified  with  the  Father  before 
Abraham,  and  Adam,  and  Moses,  and  the  names  or  letters  were,  the 
image  of  God,  the  blessed  seed.  Then  why  was  not  man,  who  was 
made  in  the  image  of  God,  and  blessed  of  God,  in  that  seed  or  power, 
or  image,  seeing  the  scripture  saith,  he  was  made  in  God's  image,  and 
blessed  of  God  1*  Or  whether  there  be  any  blessing  to  more  seeds  than  one? 
And  whether  God  did  not  say  to  Abraham,  "In  thy  seed  shall  all  nations 
upon  earth  be  blessed."f  And  they  that  are  Christ's  are  Abraham's  seed, 
and  heirs  according  to  promise,J  in  Christ,  in  the  seed,  in  the  heir,  in  the 
image  of  God,  which  was  before  Abraham  was,  [to  which]  are  the  pro- 
mises and  the  blessing§ — yea  and  amen,  and  not  unto  seeds.  || 

Again;  in  those  days,  before  transgression  was,  there  was  no  need  of  a 
saviour,  or  words,  or  letters,  or  names,  or  preachings,  or  teachings,  to  bring 
man  to  God,  until  he  had  departed  from  him  by  transgression,  until  sin 
entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin,  and  darkness,  ignorance,  blind- 
ness, captivity  and  bondage  were;  there  was  no  need  to  say,  believe  in 
the  light,  and  come  to  the  light,  and  follow  and  obey  it,  which  shows  you 
sin,  until  sin  was,  and  darkness  was.  Sin  could  not  be  discovered,  where 
it  was  not,  or  before  it  was.  There  was  no  need  to  say,  know  the  Lord, 
and  fear  the  Lord,  and  depart  from  evil,  and  to  tell  of  a  redeemer,  until 
ignorance,  transgression,  and  bondage  were;  and  to  say,  obey  the  Lord, 
or  his  word,  until  disobedience  was.  So  there  was  not  need  to  mention 
the  name  Christ  at  that  time,  neither  was  it,  though  that  seed  was  a 
mystery,  hid  from  ages  and  generations,  (the  seed  of  the  woman  which 
bruises  the  serpent's  head,  which  was  born  of  a  virgin  in  due  time,)  and 
is  yet  hid  to  and  in  such  as  walk  in  darkness,  and  from  all  transgressors, 
who  love  the  evil  and  darkness  rather  than  the  light. 

Now,  when  Moses  and  Israel  were  in  the  wilderness,  and  when  they 
sinned  in  the  wilderness,  there  was  a  rock  which  followed  them,  (mark ! 
something  that's  hard  to  them  that  sin.)  and  the  apostle  said,  the  rock 
which  followed  them  was  Christ;  (consider  this  well  with  a  single  eye;) 
he  that  was  given  for  a  leader  and  commander,  and  goes  before  his  own 
sheep,  followeth  them  that  sinneth,  (read  within,)  and  he  is  the  light 
which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  which  is  to  lead 
up  to  God  again,  out  of  the  world,  to  the  beginning,  before  the  trans- 
gression or  hills  were. 

So  that  this  one  seed,  (which  was  a  rock  in  Moses's  days  to  them  Unit 
sinned,  and  called  a  hard  master  by  the  slothful.)  hath,  in  process  of  time, 
many  names,  though  one  power  in  nature,  as  he  was  called  "the  word,"' 
"a  child,"  "a  son,"  "a  stone,"  "the  elect,"  "the  foundation,"  "the  door," 

*  Gen.  i.  26.  28.    f  Gen.  xxii.  IS.    *  Gal.  iii.  29.     §  2  Cor.  i.  20.    |  Gal.  lii.  16. 


88 


"the  vine,"  "the  lamb  of  God,"  and  "slain  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world,"  (and  all  that  is  in  the  world  is  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the 
eye,  and  the  pride  of  life;*)  and  he  is  called  "the  lion  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah,"  "the  saviour,"  "the redeemer,"  "the mediator,"  "the  way,"  "the 
truth,"  "the  life,"  "the  seed,"  "the  wonderful  counsellor,"  "the  mighty 
God,"  "the  prince  of  peace,"  "the  Immanuel,  God  with  us,"  "the  Mes- 
siah," and  "Jesus,"  which  is  called  Christ — all  these  names  and  more 
are  given  to  the  one  seed.  Now,  must  people  be  poring,  and  ima- 
gining, and  contending  about  names,  letters,  and  words,  which  were 
given  since  the  fall,  since  transgression?  or  be  brought  to  the  seed, 
the  word,  which  was  in  the  beginning,  the  substance,  which  was  before 
the  names,  and  ends  the  names,  and  the  letters,  and  the  words,  and  the 
imaginations,  strivings  and  contending  about  words  to  no  profit,  and  before 
transgression  was,  who  is  the  express  image  of  the  invisible  God,  who 
now  is  come  a  light  into  the  world,  and  preacheth  himself  the  light  of 
the  world;  and  his  witness  showeth  him  to  be  the  true  light,  thatlighteth 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

Now  reader,  if  the  blessed  eye  in  thee  be  open,  and  thou  stand  sin- 
gle in  it,  thou  wilt  see  something  in  what  I  have  written  for  the  simple's 
sake,  and  for  the  truth's  sake;  and  if  thou  canst  stand  still,  and  but 
see  the  truth,  then  wilt  thou  see  Robert  Hall,  teacher  at  Colebrooke, 
and  Edmund  Board,  in  blindness  and  error,  and  with  a  lie  in  their 
right  hand,  who  said,  "man  in  his  first  state,  before  transgression,  (who 
was  the  son  of  God,  in  the  image  of  God,  and  blessed  of  God,)  had  not 
the  holy  spirit,  nor  was  in  Christ,  but  bare  the  earthly  image;  and 
that  the  breath  of  life,  which  God  breathed  into  man,  was  a  created 
thing."  Let  the  sober-minded,  with  God's  witness,  the  light  in  them, 
judge,  whether  that  which  made  living  be  the  created  thing,  or  that 
which  was  made  living  by  it  ?  or  whether  a  created  thing  can  create 
and  make  living?  or  whether  that  life,  in  which  we  live,  move,  and 
have  our  being,  be  the  created  or  the  creator? f  Let  the  understanding 
judge.  J 

Now,  this  was  the  great  error  which  Robert  Hall  charged  against 
me,  viz.  that  I  went  to  bring  people  from  Christ,  to  that  state  which 
Adam  was  in  before  the  fall.  Mark  and  consider,  and  see  what  state 
Adam  was  in  before  the  fall,  before  transgression,  (that  was  his  fall,) 
and  then  see  wherein  I  have  erred,  if  I  had  brought  all  people  on  the 
earth  into  that  state;  or  wherein  I  bring  any  from  Christ,  as  he  hath 
said,  "  Adam  before  the  fall  was  without  sin,  before  the  fall  was  in  the 
image  of  God,  in  his  state  before  the  fall  had  dominion  over  the  world, 
and  was  the  son  of  God,  in  the  likeness  of  God,  before  the  fall  was 
blessed  of  God."§ 

•  1  John  ii.  16.    f  Acts  xvii.  28.  '  *  Deut.  xxx.  20.    §  Gen.  i. 


89 


Now,  if  I  had,  could,  or  do  bring  people  to  this  state — to  be  without 
sin,  to  be  in  the  image  of  God,  to  be  the  sons  of  God,  to  have  dominion 
over  the  world,  to  be  blessed  of  God — wherein  is  my  error?  or  what 
have  I  erred  from  herein?  or  what  are  they  erred  from  who  are 
brought  into  this  state?    Let  truth  judge. 

Now,  if  any  shall  say  we  are  erred  from  Christ,  or  from  God  in  Christ, 
or  from  the  spirit,  or  from  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  I  answer,  nay,  it  is  he 
that  transgresseth  that  abideth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  such 
have  not  God;*  and  the  Father,  son,  and  spirit  are  one;  and  Christ  is 
the  first  and  the  last,  without  sin,  before  sin  and  transgression  were,  the 
desire  of  all  nations,  the  image  and  son  of  God,  glorified  with  the  Father 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world  ;f  to  him,  and  into  him  is  our  desire 
that  people  should  come,  in  which  seed  only  the  blessing  is,  which  all 
in  transgression  be  erred  from.J 

Then  it  was  asked  Robert  Hall,  what  he  went  to  bring  people  unto 
by  his  preaching? 

He  answered,  he  went  to  bring  them  from  that  state.    [Mark  that.] 

Now,  if  any  people  were  come  into  that  state,  to  be  without  sin,  in 
the  image  of  God,  the  sons  of  God,  having  dominion  over  the  world,  and 
blessed  of  God,  as  at  the  first,  (read  Isa.  i.  25,  26.)  is  it  not  the  work  of 
the  devil,  of  his  ministers,  and  messengers,  and  angels,  to  bring  them 
out  of  this  state?  Is  not  this  the  same  work  which  the  devil  the  old 
serpent  did,  when  he  brought  man  from  that  state,  in  which  he  was 
without  sin,  and  blessed  of  God,  at  the  first,  when  he  transgressed,  and 
was  driven  out  of  paradise,  (peace,  rest,  joy,)  into  the  earth,  where  he 
became  earthly,  unsavoury,  unrighteous,  and  unfruitful  to  God? 

And  was  it  a  work  of  the  serpent  then,  to  bring  from  that  state 
which  God  blessed,  whose  blessing  and  promises,  are  unchangeably, 
to  the  seed  and  in  the  seed  only,  yea  and  amen;§  and  is  it  not  now 
the  work  of  the  devil,  the  old  serpent  in  Robert  Hall,  and  the  rest 
of  his  mind,  to  bring  people  from  that  state  which  of  God  is  blessed? 
Let  them  that  fear  God  judge;  and  then  see  whose  messenger  and 
minister  he  is,  and  whose  will  and  work  he  doth.  And  if  he  be  found 
doing  the  same  work  which  the  devil  did,  when  he  brought  man 
from  his  blessed  state  into  transgression,  then  whether  the  son  of 
God,  the  light  of  the  world,  will  not  destroy  his  work,  seeing  for  this 
purpose  he  was  manifested,  even  to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil  ?|| 
And  whether  he  will  not  reward  the  same  work  with  the  same  wages? 
And  whether  the  wages  of  sin  be  not  death?  And  whether  it  be  not  a 
sin  to  bring  people  into  sin,  from  that  state  which  God  doth  bless?  Yea 
or  nay?  And  whether  there  be  any  other  state  among  men,  but  the 

*  2  John  i.  9.    f  (Jen.  xxii.  18,      f  1  John  iii.  9.     $  2  Cor.  i.  20.      r]  1  John  iii.  8. 

12 


00 


blessed  and  the  cursed?  If  not,  then  whether  he  that  brings  from  the 
blessed  state,  doth  not  bring  under  the  curse?  And  whether  he  that 
brings  to  the  state  blessed,  brings  not  from  under  the  curse,  into  peace 
with  God,  into  the  image  of  God  again,  into  the  resurrection  and  the 
life,  which  was  before  death,  the  curse,  and  the  fall?  So,  if  it  be  not  an 
error  to  bring  people  from  all  error,  into  a  blessed  state,  out  of  trans- 
gression, into  the  image  of  God,  to  be  the  sons  of  God,  to  have  victory 
over  the  world,  through  him  who  is  the  second  Adam,  the  light  of  the 
world,  the  quickening  spirit,  the  first  and  the  last,  then  I  am  cleared  of 
that  which  Robert  Hall  himself  is  in.  And  the  blessing  of  God  is  to 
him  that  brings  into  the  blessed  state,*  and  is  in  the  blessed  state,  which 
was  before  sin  and  transgression  were,  the  first  and  the  last.f 

Also  this  Edmund  Board  said,  that  he  was,  through  grace,  in  a  more 
glorious  state  than  Adam  was  in  before  the  fall,  (these  are  two  high 
words  for  a  liar,)  and  that  he  was  sat  down  with  Christ  in  heavenly- 
places,  and  had  peace  with  God,  and  was  harmless,  and  innocent,  and 
without  spot,  and  that  the  blood  of  Christ  had  cleansed  him  from  all  sin. 

Something  of  this  I  may  leave  to  his  neighbours  at  Colebrook  to 
judge,  who  know  his  words,  and  actions,  and  conversation,  whether 
he  be  without  spot,  or  cleansed  from  all  sin — yea  or  nay?  If  so,  then 
he  hath  no  sin;  but  if  he  commits  sin,  then  he  is  a  liar  and  of  his  father, 
whose  works  he  doth.  Now,  if  it  were  so,  as  he  hath  said  he  is,  cleansed 
from  all  sin,  so  was  man  without  sin  before  the  fall:  for  sin  and  transgres- 
sion were  his  fall  and  error.  And  if  he  were  without  sin,  and  had  no  sin, 
and  blessed  of  God  before  the  fall,  then  how  much  doth  Edmund  Board's 
state  exceed  this  in  glory?  who  saith  the  blood  of  Christ  hath  cleansed 
him  from  all  sin.  Mark!  to  be  cleansed  from  all  sin,  and  to  have  no  sin, 
what  difference  is  here?  if  no  sin  had  been  committed,  there  had  been 
no  need  of  being  cleansed  from  it.  He  said,  he  is  sat  down  with  Christ 
in  heavenly  places.  J  Now  Christ  is  the  image  of  God,  and  man  before 
the  fall  was  in  the  image  of  God.§  He  said,  "he  was  innocent,  and  with- 
out spot,  and  had  peace  with  God;"  now,  if  it  were  as  he  hath  said, 
was  not  man  in  his  first  state,  before  the  fall,  innocent  and  without  spot? 
Is  not  sin  the  spot?  And  had  he  not  peace  with  God  before  transgres- 
sion? Or  was  he  afraid  and  hid  himself  before  transgression,  or  after? 
(read  within:)  or  was  he  blessed,  in  peace  and  dominion,  before  or  after 
he  had  transgressed?||  Search  the  scriptures,  they  testify  of  the  truth, 
and  are  a  true  declaration.1I 

So  that  if  any  could  believe,  that  this  professor  was  in  a  more  glorious 
state  than  man  was  in  before  transgression  was,  yet  I  would  have  them 

•  Rev.  xxii.  13,  14.  f  Matt.  v.  9.  *  2  Cor.  iv.  4.  $  Gen.  i.  26. 

||  Gen.  i.  28.         1  Luke  i.  1. 


9] 


believe  the  truth  also,  and  search  the  scriptures;  for  they  testify  of  him 
which  was  before  sin  and  transgression  were,  glorified  with  the  Father 
before  the  world  began,  who  is  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  first  and  the 
last.   He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear  and  understand  aright.* 

Now,  if  this  man  were  cleansed  from  all  sin,  without  spot,  innocent, 
sat  down  with  Christ  in  heavenly  places,  and  had  peace  with  God  as 
he  hath  Said,  yet  in  the  light  search  him  out  further,  and  see  if  we  can 
finr1  him  in  a  more  glorious  state  than  man  was  in  before  the  fall,  be- 
fore transgression  was,  who  was  made  in  the  image  of  God,  the  son  of 
God,  and  blessed  of  God,  (then,  in  peace,)  having  dominion  over  all 
before  transgression  and  sin  were;  then  without  sin,  the  spot,  and  innocent. 
So  that  if  he  be  not  in  a  more  glorious  state  than  this,  then  say  I,  he  is 
a  liar;  for  he  hath  said,  he  was  in  a  more  glorious  state  than  Adam  was 
in  before  the  fall,  as  many  others  can  witness.  And  if  he  be  a  liar,  then 
of  him  which  led  from  that  state,  the  old  serpent,  the  devil,  the  deceiv- 
er; then  one  with  Robert  Hall,  whose  work  is,  to  lead  or  bring  people 
from  that  state  in  which  God  blessed  man  before  transgression  was. 
Then  he  is  not  innocent,  nor  cleansed  from  all  sin;  for  lying  is  sin,  and 
the  spot:  so  not  without  spot,  not  in  peace,  nor  blessed  of  God;  then  not 
in  so  glorious  a  state  as  Adam  was  in  before  lying  and  transgression  were, 
but  shut  out — "without  are  dogs,  and  all  liars."f 

Now  consider,  all  them  that  are  in  transgression,  are  in  the  fall,  in 
the  adulterated  seed,  to  which  the  curse  is,  and  not  the  blessing,  driven 
from  God  into  the  earth,  vagabonds,  cast  out,  losing  the  blessing.  All  that 
are  in  lying,  swearing,  pride,  covetousness,  wantonness,  drunkenness, 
envy,  wrath,  frowardness,  corrupt  communication,  lust,  whoredom, 
idolatry,  deceit,  wildness,  profaneness,  mocking,  these  are  in  the  fall, 
lost,  cast  out,  driven,  banished  from  God  by  transgression,  in  the  seed 
of  evil  doers,  which  shall  never  be  renowned,  but  judged,  condemned, 
plagued,  and  tormented,  day  and  night,  forever  and  ever,  if  they  be 
not  converted,  and  changed  into  another  seed  and  stock.  Cain,  the 
envious,  the  vagabond,  driven  from  God;  Ishmael,  the  wild  man,  the 
mocker,  cast  out;  Esau,  the  profane  person,  the  cunning  hunter,  lost 
the  blessing.  Hear  this  all  professors,  who  are  of  that  stock  and  seed 
whose  deeds  are  evil,  hating  the  light  with  which  you  be  lighted,  (and 
all  you  ungodly  ones  every  where,)  which  lets  you  see  all  your  ungod- 
ly deeds  and  hard  speeches,  and  your  perverse  and  crooked  ways  you 
have  walked  in;  it  is  your  condemnation  in  that  state,  even  the  light, 
which  would  lead  you  out  of  transgression,J  up  to  God  again,  did  you 
love  it — out  of  the  world,  to  the  beginning,  before  the  'world  and  trans- 
gression were,  to  Christ  Jesus,  by  whom  the  world  was  made,  the  word? 


Rev.  xxii.  13. 


f  Rev.  xxii.  13, 14,  15. 


i  John  iii.  19. 


92 

which  was  before  the  words  and  letters,  and  before  the  many  things, 
and  names,  and  languages,  and  before  the  sects  and  opinions,  heaps  and 
imaginations  were.  The  light  leads  out  of  all  these,  up  to  him  from 
whence  it  comes,  who  hath  a  name  above  and  before  every  name  under 
heaven,  the  saviour  of  the  soul  immortal,  glorified  with  the  Father,  the 
prince  of  peace,  who  brings  out  of  transgression  and  sin,  out  of  darkness, 
the  curse  and  fall,  again,  all  them  that  follow  him  in  the  regeneration. 
And  I  say  again,  "Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God,"  which  is  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy,  in  the  holy 
spirit.  So  to  whom  this  may  seem  error,  as  it  hath  to  some,  my  advice  to 
such  is,  come  to  the  light,  (which  is  true,)  in  thy  conscience,  and  be  not 
hasty  to  speak  evil  of  things  thou  knowest  not,  as  many  have  done,  but 
first  cast  out  the  beam  and  let  it  search  thy  heart,  and  try  thy  reins, 
and  ways,  and  words,  and  in  it  see  if  thou  be  not  yet  in  the  fall,  trans- 
gression, and  error.  For  all  that  be  from  the  light,  are  erred  from  the 
right  way,  Christ,  the  light,  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life,  who  is  the 
first  and  the  last,  the  image  of  God — and  so  are  in  darkness,  not  able 
to  discern  things  that  differ,  because  darkness  hath  blinded  the  eye.* 

These  things  are  not  published  in  envy  to  any  man  upon  earth,  but 
in  true  love  to  the  seed  and  truth  of  God,  and  for  the  sake  of  the 
simple,  who  are  tossed  up  and  down  with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  that 
they  may  come  to  the  word  which  was  in  the  beginning,  which  the 
true  light  comes  from,  and  in  it  be  established. 

Kingston  upon  Thames,  the  24th  of  the  \  w  t> 

4th  month,  1659.  )  William  iuyly. 

Ji  Warning  from  the  Lord,  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Lon- 
don, given  forth  on  the  day  after  their  fast  and  humiliation, 
the  1st  day  of  the  7th  month,  1659.    By  William  Bayly. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  even  the  Lord  God  of  life,  of  heaven  and 
earth,  by  whom  the  world  was  made,  I  am  wearied  with  your  wick- 
edness, and  unspeakable  abominations.  I  am  oppressed  under  it,  as  a 
cart  is  over-pressed  with  sheaves.  My  soul  is  loaded  and  burdened, 
and  my  spirit  is  daily  vexed  and  grieved  with  your  continual  transgres- 
sions against  my  pure  light  of  life  in  you,  which  lets  you  see  these 
abominations  to  be  evil.  How  long  will  you  provoke  me  to  jealousy? 
How  long  will  you  harden  your  hearts,  as  in  the  day  of  slaughter,  nour- 


*  1  John  ii.  18. 


93 


ishing  up  yourselves  and  one  another  in  your  abominable  rebellion  and 
wickedness?  When  will  you  cease  to  do  evil?  When  will  you  consi- 
der your  latter  end?  How  long  will  you  delight  in  that  which  my 
endless  judgments  and  fierce  indignation  are  against  ?"  WTo  to  the  crown 
of  pride,  which  reigns  in  this  place,  and  to  the  drunkards  of  England, 
of  all  sorts.  Wo  to  all  you  ungodly,  whoremongers,  wanton  whores! 
plagues  are  your  portion.  And  all  you  sporters,  rioters,  fiddlers,  and 
players !  you  are  worse  unto  me  than  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  saith  the 
Lord  God;  and  my  vengeance,  like  a  besom  of  fire,  shall  sweep  you  into 
everlasting  torment,  where  you  shall  be  plagued  without  end.  Ye  fruit- 
less trees,"you  cumber  the  ground!  Ye  thistle  and  thorny  children  of 
wrath  and  darkness!  my  dreadful  power  is  against  you,  which  will  over- 
turn, root  up,  and  utterly  consume  you  off  the  face  of  the  earth.  This 
is  your  portion  from  my  hand  forever,  except  you  speedily  repent. 

Also,  give  ear  and  hearken  unto  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  is  to 
thee,  who  art  in  the  chief  authority  in  this  city,  and  you  who  are  in 
the  highest  places,  outwardly,  in  this  nation;  thus  saith  the  Lord  God 
of  hosts  to  you:  Fear  and  dread  my  pure,  powerful  name,  and  take 
heed  to  your  wavs,  words,  and  actions.  Is  it  not  for  you  t6  love  the 
good,  and  hate  the  evil  ?  Love  that  in  you  which  lets  you  see  sin  and 
evil  in  your  own  particulars,  in  your  own  consciences,  that  you  by 
it  may  be  guided  and  ordered,  and  have  dominion  in  my  righteous  pow- 
er over  the  fleshly  lusts  in  your  own  selves,  which  war  against  the  im- 
mortal soul.  So  you  will  come  to  rule  well  in  the  humility  and  authority 
of  my  pure  spirit,  in  which  you  will  be  worthy  of  double  honour,  and 
be  kept  out  of  the  fearful,  abominable,  and  hypocritical  state,  which 
all  the  wicked  are  in,  not  able  to  trust  one  another  in  the  earth,  There- 
fore, come  forth  of  evil,  to  the  light,  and  be  obedient  to  the  power  that 
moveth  against  sin,  and  live  in  it,  that  your  own  salvation  may  be 
wrought  out  with  fear  and  trembling,  that  you  may  be  a  terror  to  the 
evil-doer,  without  respect  of  persons,  places,  or  things,  and  that  you 
maybe  a  praise  to  them  that  do  well;  and  be  no  longer  deceived  with 
dreams,  but  awake  to  righteousness  while  you  have  yet  time,  and  see 
how  you  stand  in  the  dreadful  presence  of  the  Almighty  God,  who  is 
coming  to  question  with  you,  and  to  call  you  to  an  account  of  your 
ways,  and  places,  and  governments,  how  you  have  fulfilled  and  answer- 
ed his  will  by  your  obedience,  in  suppressing,  plucking  up,  and  cutting 
down,  by  the  sword  of  justice  and  judgment,  all  that  which  offends  the 
pure,  meek,  righteous,  powerful  spirit  of  the  lamb  of  God,  which  is 
without  guile,  to  whom  pride  is  abomination;  in  whose  pure,  powerful 
name  of  life,  I  warn  you  all,  to  consider  how,  with,  in,  and  for  what, 
and  whom  you  rule,  lest  you  proceed  on  in  the  dark  paths  of  them 
who  before  you  have  stumbled,  fallen,  and  been  broken  to  pieces.  For 


94 


the  dreadful,  terrible,  and  mighty  power  of  the  Lord  God  of  life  is 
gone  forth  as  a  whirlwind  of  fire,  to  scatter  the  proud,  and  all  that 
live  ungodly.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  oppressor  shall  be 
oppressed,  and  the  proud  shall  be  abased,  and  the  drunkard  shall  thirst, 
and  the  wanton  and  careless  ones  shall  wail,  lament,  and  howl ;  and 
the  lustful,  envious,  and  wrathful  shall  burn  in  the  consuming  fire  of 
my  wrath,  saith  the  Lord  God.  And  if  you  repent  not  speedily,  Nine- 
veh, Tyre,  and  Sidon,  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  beasts  of  the 
field,  will  rise  up  in  judgment  against  you,  and  will  condemn  this  abo- 
minable, sinful,  and  adulterous  generation. 

Therefore,  great  things  doth  the  Lord  God  require  of  you,  that  be  in 
great  places  and  authority  in  the  earth.  You  should  rule  in  the  mea- 
sure of  God,  (which  moves  against  sin  in  the  heart  of  man,)  for  God, 
in  his  stead,  in  his  pure  fear,  in  true  zeal,  in  the  life  of  truth.  There- 
fore, look  about  you,  and  see  what  state  this  city  and  nation  are  in,  under 
your  government.  And  search  diligently,  by  God's  witness  in  you, 
whether  the  Lord  God  of  truth  and  righteousness  be  not  arisen  against 
the  abominations  thereof  in  his  despised  sons  and  daughters,  in  these 
your  days.  And  this  testimony  I  bear  for  the  Lord  God,  in  whose  pow- 
er I  stand  a  witness  against  all  your  ungodly  deeds  and  actions,  both  in 
your  church,  state,  and  all  other  affairs,  which  are  contrary  to  truth, 
equity,  and  righteousness;  you  are  warned  of  him  at  this  day,  as  true 
as  ever  Pharaoh,  the  old  world,  Nineveh,  or  Sodom  was.  Therefore, 
you  that  be  in  authority,  come  down  to  the  feet  of  him  that  seeks  not 
his  own  honour,  but  the  honour  that  cometh  from  God  only,  that  you 
may  be  exalted  and  enthroned  by  him  to  whom  every  knee  shall  bow. 
And  remember  the  king  of  Nineveh,  what  he  did  when  he  was  warned 
by  the  same  unchangeable  God  as  you  have  been,  and  see  whether  this 
be  a  time  or  day  to  say,  let  us  eat,  drink,  and  be  merry,  and  take  our 
fill  of  pleasures  in  the  lust  of  darkness  and  ignorance,  while  some  of 
the  servants  of  the  living  God  go  in  sackcloth,  and  some  have  gone 
naked  amongst  this  generation,  as  signs  and  wonders  to  you.  But 
such  as  live  in  darkness  cannot  discern  them,  any  farther  than  the  face 
of  the  earth  or  sky. 

Therefore,  come  forth  of  thick  darkness,  and  consider  whether  the 
king  of  Nineveh  would  have  suffered  such  cursed  abominations  to  be 
acted  in  that  city,  (who  had  but  one  warning,)  as  you  have  in  yours, 
(who  have  had  many  warnings,)  even  open  revellings,  rioting,  drunken- 
ness, shows,  plays,  and  several  kinds  of  profane  and  ungodly  works  and 
ways,  which  God's  soul  loaths,  who  will  visit  for  these  things. 

Would  not  the  king  of  Nineveh  bare  witness  against  your  fast  days 
and  humiliation  days,  and  say,  it  is  all  feigned,  hypocritical,  and  abomi- 
nable, and  deceitful?    Who  can  suffer  or  tolerate  cursed  revellings,  pop- 


95 


pet  playing,  which  occasion  people's  minds  to  be  drawn  further  from  the 
witness  of  God  in  them,  even  to  the  murdering  of  the  just,  whose  blood 
cries  for  vengeance  upon  you  rulers  and  teachers;  and  to  suffer  drunken- 
ness, rioting,  and  dancing,  like  the  prince  of  devils  formed  into  many  shapes 
in  men  and  women,  in  your  streets  or  city.  Take  heed  how  you  suffer 
these  things  to  be  any  more,  I  warn  you  from  the  Lord  God.  For  his  soul 
loathes  such  doings,  and  will  be  avenged  on  such  a  nation  as  this;  and  the 
Lord  God  hath  a  controversy  with  you  that  be  the  leaders,  teachers,  and 
governors  of  this  people,  and  he  will  plead  with  you  concerning  these 
things,  and  you  shall  know,  that  he  searcheth  the  heart,  and  will  reward 
every  man  according  to  his  deeds,  from  whose  presence  you  cannot  flee. 
Therefore  consider  your  ways  and  your  doings.  Will  you  fast,  pray, 
hang  down  the  head  for  a  day,  and  profess  and  talk  of  God  and  Christ 
with  your  mouths,  and  never  obey  his  voice,  which  calls  for  truth,  righte- 
ousness, mercy,  and  judgment;  for  this  is  his  voice  or  word  in  you,  which 
saith,  "  Cease  to  do  evil,"  and  "  do  so  no  more,  lest  a  worse  thing  come 
upon  thee:"  and  "  put  away  the  evil  of  your  doings  from  before  mine 
eyes."  (The  light  is  the  eye,  which  lets  you  see  the  sin.)  And  will  you  op- 
press and  wrong  the  innocent,  who  reproves  the  ungodly  that  he  may 
not  die  in  his  sin,  and  yet  call  upon  God  with  your  lips?  who  will  punish 
and  break  in  pieces  the  oppressor  and  his  heritage  by  his  mighty  power. 

Therefore,  hear  and  understand  that  which  reproves  you  for  sin,  and 
to  it  be  obedient,  lest  you  perish  from  the  way  of  life  and  peace  for  ever; 
for,  of  the  Lord  God  am  I  moved  to  warn  you  all,  to  clear  my  conscience 
of  you,  and  him  of  your  blood,  whose  witness  in  you  will  be  answered, 
whether  you  hear  or  forbear. 

Therefore,  come  to  the  light,  and  see  what  is  done  in  your  government, 
and  in  the  time  of  your  authority  and  rule  in  this  city;  what  devilish  re- 
velling, singing,  rioting,  drunkenness,  swearing,  wantonness,  and  all 
manner  of  ungodly  practices,  are  committed  within  your  government 
openly,  which  grieve  the  spirit  of  God,  and  the  soul  of  the  righteous,  to 
hear  and  see  these  abominations.  What  would  become  of  this  nation  or 
city,  if  the  Lord  God  had  not  a  chosen  seed  in  it,  to  bear  witness  against 
the  evil  thereof?  Consider  these  things;  for  with  you  God  will  plead,  who 
have  the  power  in  your  hands  to  subdue  and  crush  under  these  abomina- 
tions, if  you  are  not  guilty  of  the  same  things  yourselves,  and  lovers  of,  and 
found  in  the  same  or  such  things  your  own  selves.  If  you  are,  you  have  not 
the  true  power  and  authority  to  restrain  them  in  others.  This  is  from  the 
Lord  God  to  you  all. 

Therefore,  come  out  of  pride,  pleasures,  covetousness,  wrath,  and  wan- 
tonness, and  all  ungodliness  your  own  selves,  and  then  you  will  feel  the 
mighty  power  of  God  assisting  you,  and  giving  you  dominion,  enabling  you 
to  destroy  it  in  others.    Here  you  may  come  to  rule  for  God  in  truth, 


9C> 

equity,  and  judgment,  in  the  principle  of  God.  So  being  redeemed  out 
of  the  evil  yourselves,  you  will  be  a  terror  and  a  dread  to  evil  doers  in 
your  places  of  government.  But  if  you  walk  contrary  to  the  truth  of  God 
in  your  own  particulars,  and  so  give  liberty  to  the  abominable  practices 
and  inventions  of  the  devil,  in  his  children  of  darkness,  and  cause  the  in- 
nocent to  suffer,  and  grieve  the  pure  spirit  of  God;  if  you  should  not  come 
to  feel  the  burden  of  these  things,  but  be  hardened,  and  proceed  on  in 
tolerating  the  wicked  and  oppressing  the  just,  the  Lord  God,  who  is  no 
respecter  of  persons,  will  destroy  you,  as  he  hath  many,  and  your  lot  and 
portion  will  be  the  same,  and  he  will  choose  a  people  to  himself,  in  whom 
his  fear  and  love  are  placed,  who  love  righteousness,  and  hate  iniquity, 
and  their  throne  shall  be  established  for  ever.  But  the  name  and  memo- 
rial of  the  ungodly  shall  utterly  perish,  saith  the  Lord  God  Almighty. 

This  is  written  in  obedience  to  the  living  God,  whose  powerful  voice 
cried  through  me,  against  the  abominations  of  this  city,  the  next  day  after 
your  fast  and  humiliation,  saying,  write  unto  the  mayor,  and  to  the  go- 
vernors of  this  place  and  nation,  that  they  may  once  more  be  warned  to 
repent,  and  restrain  these  abominations;  and  that  those  among  them  who 
take  warning,  may  escape  my  everlasting  judgments. 

William  Bayly. 

London,  the  1st  of  1th  month,  1659. 

This  is  for  them  that  do  nourish  up  their  hearts  as  in  a  day  of 
slaughter,  who  for  the  joy  of  an  earthly  king,  have  grieved,  dis- 
honoured, and  blasphemed  the  Lord,  who  is  King  of  heaven  and 
the  whole  earth,  before  whom  all  nations  must  bow  and  tremble. 
By  William  Bayly. 

Do  you  not  believe  there  is  a  God?  If  you  do,  whether  you  do  believe 
that  he  is  righteous,  and  a  re  warder  of  every  man  according  to  his  works? 
If  so,  then  whether  the  wages  of  sin  be  not  death?  And  whether  your  re- 
velling, drunkenness,  profaneness,  and  blasphemy,  by  swearing  and  curs- 
ing, are  not  sin,  unrighteousness,  and  contrary  to  the  righteous  God?  And 
whether  you  learned  any  of  these  things  as  ensamples  from  them  that  gave 
forth  the  scriptures,  which  you  call  your  rule,  and  say  you  are  chris- 
tians? Or  from  them  which  God  overthrew,  leaving  them  for  an  exam- 
ple of  his  vengeance?  O  people!  deceive  not  your  souls.  Whatsoever  you 
sow,  the  fruit  thereof  you  shall  assuredly  reap.  And  the  Lprd  God  is  just, 
who  has  said,  "  The  joy  of  the  hypocrite  is  but  for  a  moment,  and  the 
triumphing  of  the.  wicked  is  short." 

Consider  these  things!    You  may  have  a  day,  and  God  may  give  you 


<J7 

a 

leave  to  see  what  you  will  do,  to  try  you,  and  that  it  may  be  made  mani- 
fest whose  children  you  are,  and  what  the*  nature  is  of  the  root  from 
whence  these  things  arise,  that  so  every  thing  and  plant  may  grow  up  to 
ripeness  against  the  dreadful  day  of  God,  which  I  do  believe  is  not  far  olF, 
though  many  may  endeavour  to  put  it  from  them,  whose  judgment 
slumbereth  not. 

Therefore,  give  car  while  you  have  a  little  space  to  repent,  and  fear 
before  the  Lord,  and  meet  him  in  the  way  of  his  judgments,  whom  you 
have  deeply  offended,  grieved,  and  provoked  daily  by  your  madness  and 
folly;  for  from  the  priests  to  them  that  should  do  justice  and  righteous 
judgment  among  you,  is  profaneness  and  lewdness  gone  forth;  and  the 
righteous  God,  who  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  will  surely  plead  with  you 
about  these  things.  O  people!  I  am  filled  with  the  zeal  and  power  of 
the  righteous,  jealous  God  of  truth,  against  these  your  abominable  prac- 
tices. And  if  I  should  lay  down  my  life  for  my  testimony,  I  am  content; 
for  to  do  the  will  of  my  Father  is  my  meat  and  drink.  And  this  is  my 
testimony  for  God  among  you,  that  though  you  do  for  a  season  slay  his 
witness  in  you,  and  trample  the  blood  of  God's  everlasting  covenant  under 
foot;  yet  in  a  day  at  hand  it  shall  arise  again,  and  set  before  you  all  these 
abominations,  and  will  call  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  things  therein,  to 
witness  against  you.  And  though  you  may  for  a  moment  make  merry 
over  him  that  reproves  you  for  sin,  yet  this  know  assuredly,  that  the  spi- 
rit of  life  from  God  will  enter  into  his  faithful  witness,  and  then  will  great 
fears  and  amazements  fall  on  you,  such  as  you  have  not  heard.  For  ac- 
cording to  your  joy  in  unrighteousness  and  profaneness,  shall  be  your  ter- 
rors and  judgments.  For  the  Lord  God  is  just,  and  will  reward  you 
accordingly. 

Therefore,  remember  your  latter  end,  when  these  things  will  be  no 
more;  and  give  over  grieving  the  righteous  spirit  of  the  Lord;  for  "God 
will  not  always  strive  with  man."  And  let  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  be 
an  example  of  God's  vengeance  to  all  that  live  ungodly.  And  no  more 
profess  yourselves  christians,  till  you  come  to  live  like  unto  Christ,  lest 
your  portion  be  among  hypocrites  and  abominable,  where  are  weeping 
and  gnashing  of  teeth  forever.  For  as  sure  as  the  Lord  liveth,  this  is 
the  portion  of  them  that  forget  God.  Therefore,  fear  the  Lord,  and 
consider  these  things.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  wisdom,  which  keeps 
out  of  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world,  and  preserves  the  creation,  and 
teacheth  to  use  it  in  moderation,  to  God's  glory,  by  whom  it  was  cre- 
ated, who  forbids  excess,  and  all'supcrfluity  of  naughtiness;  the  which 
things  are  found  among  you  who  profess  and  take  his  name  in  your 
mouths,  but  you  take  it  in  vain,  and  God  will  not  hold  you  guiltless  in 
these  things.  Therefore,  fear  and  tremble,  and  let  your  laughter  be 
turned  into  mourning,  and  your  joy  into  heaviness,  and  humble  your- 

'  13 


98 


selves  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  and  prize  your  time  to  come: 
you  are  warned  of  the  Lorti  God. 

Now  people,  if  it  be  so,  that  God  hath  given  you  a  king,  and  that 
you  shall  enjoy  much  peace,  quietness,  and  benefit  through  him,  then 
why  do  you  not  give  God  the  glory,  and  praise  and  worship  God,  that 
giveth  all  good,  by  a  sober,  righteous  life,  in  his  fear,  and  in  humble- 
ness of  mind;  and  not  like  wild  brute  beasts,  making  a  confused  noise, 
(nay,  worse,)  by  revelling,  drunkenness,  swearing,  cursing,  and  the  like 
abominations,  which  God's  soul  abhors,  and  will  plead  with  you  about 
these  things.  Therefore,  consider  your  manner  of  joy  and  rejoicing;  for 
it  is  found  evil,  whether  God  hath  given  you  a  king  or  not.  For  if  God 
hath  given  him  to  you,  you  ought  to  have  returned  him  the  thanks  for 
his  gift,  with  an  upright  heart,  and  to  have  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  with 
trembling,  giving  the  glory  to  God.  If  you  say  you  shall  get  gain  by 
him,  or  the  like,  yet  I  say  such  rejoicing  is  evil;  for  you  abuse  God's 
creation  on  your  lusts,  who  is  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  for 
which  things  you  must  give  an  account.  Let  me  a  little  reason  with 
you  in  God's  behalf  about  these  things;  for  verily  my  soul  is  grieved, 
and  God's  spirit  with  your  doings  is  daily  provoked  and  burdened.  Have 
you  not,  in  this  your  joy  and  rejoicing,  abused  God's  good  creatures,  and 
made  much  waste  and  spoil  of  them,  where  you  needed  not  had  you 
been  guided  with  God's  wisdom?  For  it  is  even  a  great  shame  to  hear 
or  see  men,  that  should  be  grave  and  solid,  and  governors  of  others  in 
wisdom,  and  be  patterns  of  it  to  others,  to  be  light,  vain,  and  foolish, 
even  encouraging  wild  and  wicked  boys,  and  rude  and  drunken  men,  to 
act  lewdness,  to  the  dishonour  of  God,  and  grief  of  good,  sober  people. 
And  do  not  many  poor  people  want  such  things  as  you,  through  excess 
and  extremes  of  vanity,  have  abused  and  wasted,  both  in  meats,  drinks, 
fuel,  and  the  like?  Let  God's  witness  answer,  which  tells  you  the  truth; 
and  close  not  the  eye. 

Now,  if  this  should  be  your  pretence,  and  the  ground  of  this  your 
joy,  that  it  is  because  you  hope  to  enjoy  peace  and  commerce  with 
other  nations  in  a  way  of  trading,  or  the  like,  and  that  you  hope  to 
gain  these  things  you  now  waste,  and  more,  by  the  peace  and  benefit 
you  are  like  to  enjoy  by  the  king:  to  this  let  me  answer — Do  you 
make  more  provision  to  have  peace  and  commerce  with  other  nations, 
than  you  make  conscience  to  offend  God  by  abusing  his  name  and  crea- 
tures on  your  lusts,  and  more  than  to  endeavour  unity  and  peace  with 
God  by  speedy  repentance  from  evil  works,  without  whose  favour  you 
are  undone  forever?  O  foolish  and  unwise  people!  where  are  your 
minds  and  affections,  your  hopes  and  hearts7  My  soul  pities  you.  Your 
trial  is  now,  but  your  hopes  may  perish. 

Therefore,  consider  the  ground  of  all  this  stir  among  you,  and  see 


99 


what  carrieth  you  on  in  these  things;  and  whether  God's  witness  in 
your  own  consciences  doth  not  judge  and  condemn  you  in  secret,  not- 
withstanding your  great  joy  and  triumph.  O  people!  let  me  ask  you, 
where  is  the  place  of  soberness  and  the  fear  of  God?  Hath  it  with- 
drawn itself  from  among  you?  If  so,  surely  the  just  must  needs  suffer, 
and  the  innocent  be  slain.  So  remember,  while  you  have  yet  time, 
again  you  are  warned,  and  it  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God  to  you,  whether 
you  hear  or  forbear,  and  it  will  stand  a  witness  against  you  on  your 
death-bed,  if  you  repent  not,  and  God  will  be  clear  of  your  blood;  and 
my  conscience  also  in  this  particular,  who  am  his  servant,  that  partaketh 
of  the  sufferings  of  the  righteous  seed  in  the  whole  creation,  to  whom 
I  remain  a  friend,  and  to  the  other  known  only  by  this  name, 

William  Bayly. 

Pool  in  Dorset,  the  last  day  of  the  3d  Month, 
by  the  world  called  May,  1660. 

This  is  given  forth  as  a  warning  from  the  Lord,  and  to  prevent  the 
like  abominations,  lest  God's  heavy  judgments  break  forth  against  the 
nation,  and  sweep  many  into  endless  misery. 

Truly  the  Lord  hath  laid  it  upon  me,  to  warn  you  once  more,  that 
I  may  be  clear  of  your  blood  when  your  calamity  cometh  as  a  whirl- 
wind, even  all  you  who  make  merry  over  the  witness  of  God  in  you, 
which  reproves  and  condemns  you  for  your  wildness,  lewdness,  and  wick- 
edness, and  pleads  with  you  in  the  cool  of  the  day,  when  you  are  a  little 
still  and  quiet.  Why  will  ye  die?  Why  will  ye  perish  forever?  Why 
do  you  not  regard  your  souls  more  than  your  bodies,  which  are  but  for 
a  moment?  My  soul  is  grieved  for  you,  considering  your  state,  how 
senseless  of  God  and  goodness  you  are.  Do  you  think  your  mirth,  which 
is  as  the  crackling  of  thorns  under  a  pot,  will  keep  off  the  vengeance 
that  is  due  to  you  for  all  your  sins?  I  tell  you  nay;  it  will  add  to  it, 
even  as  fuel  for  the  fire. 

Therefore,  consider  your  latter  end,  which  hastens;  for  God  will  not 
always  strive  with  you,  though  for  a  little  time  your  singings,  and  re- 
vellings,  and  brutishness  may  quench,  and  darken,  and  trample  under 
the  light  and  motions  of  God  in  you,  which  lets  you  see,  and  checks 
and  reproves  you  for  these  things;  yet  it  will  arise  upon  you,  and  bring 
you  down,  and  condemn,  confound,  and  distract  you,  and  turn  your 
songs  into  howling,  and  your  mirth  into  bitter  lamentation:  then  shall 
you  wish  that  you  had  never  been  born,  or  that  the  womb  had  been 
your  grave,  that  you  should  so  provoke  the  pure,  just  God  against  you, 


100 


by  these  things,  which  grieve  his  righteous  soul.  And  he  will  arise,  and 
that  speedily,  like  a  lion  out  of  a  thicket,  and  will  tear  and  go  his  way, 
and  rend  the  caul  of  your  heart,  and  none  shall  be  able  to  deliver  you. 
Then  will  you  be  left  in  utter  darkness,  where  is  weeping  and  gnashing 
of  teeth  forever. 

Therefore,  consider  your  ways,  and  the  end  of  your  doings,  and  fear 
and  tremble  before  the  dreadful  God ;  and  leave  off  your  swearing, 
cursing,  and  revelling,  your  drunkenness,  beastliness,  and  confusion;  it 
is  all  madness  and  folly;  it  is  all  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit.  And 
all  your  quarrelling,  revilings,  and  abusing  one  another,  and  your  per- 
verse and  corrupt  communications,  grieve  God's  spirit,  and  provoke 
his  jealousy  to  burn  against  you. 

So,  while  you  have  time,  be  still  and  repent:  for  God's  judgments 
are  at  hand,  which  will  bring  sorrow,  anguish,  and  misery  upon  you. 
Therefore,  take  warning,  while  breath  is  in  your  nostrils,  that  you  may 
not  fall  into  the  bottomless  place  of  everlasting  burnings,  out  of  which 
there  is  no  redemption. 

This  is  your  visitation  from  God,  through  his  servant,  whose  soul  is 
grieved  with  the  unlawful  deeds  and  filthy  conversation  of  the  wicked, 
from  day  to  day ;  yet  not  desiring  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that 
he  might  repent  and  live. 

As  shall  be  witnessed  in  the  day  of  sore  calamity,  which  hastens  upon 
all  flesh  that  hath  corrupted  its  way. 


W.  B. 


THE  LIFE  OF  ENOCH 


AGAIN  REVIVED, 

In  which  Abel's  offering  is  accepted,  and  Cain's  mark  known,  and 
he  rejected:  through  the  opening  of  the  inward  mystery  of  crea- 
tion, by  the  first  mover  and  former  thereof,  who  is  the  only  wise, 
invisible  God;  to  whom  be  the  glory  and  praise  in  and  over  all 
his  works,  Amen,  To  which  is  annexed,  the  Travail  of  the 
bowels  of  Sion,  and  the  cry  of  the  sins  of  Sodom  is  great  this 
day  before  the  Lord.  Jllso,  Ji  Common  Objection  answered  about 
the  name  of  Jesus. 


God,  the  original  being  of  all  beings,  visible  and  invisible,  created 
man  in  the  purest  life  of  all  beings,  and  brought  him  forth  in  his  own 
likeness  and  image,  in  which  was  manifested  the  upright,  innocent, 
righteous  life  and  properties  of  his  creator;  in  which  he  had  the  pure 
feeling  and  discerning  of  the  motions  and  natures  of  every  thing  created, 
whether  good  or  evil;  and  was  to  rule  by  the  will  of  God,  in  the  up- 
right life  over  them  all,  in  the  perfect  understanding,  blessed  dominion, 
and  gentle  wisdom  of  his  maker,  which  was  to  be  his  guide  in  all  things, 
in  which  he  was  appointed  to  be  exercised,  and  to  order  the  works  of 
God's  hands  to  his  praise  and  glory. 

But  when  he  had  hearkened  and  inclined  to  a  wrong  motion,  obeying 
the  will  and  lust  thereof,  it  began  to  lead  him  from  his  proper  habita- 
tion, and  then  there  entered  and  grew  in  him  a  ground  or  receptacle  for 
all  wrong  and  contrariety  to  that  life  in  which  he  was  created;  and  he 
became  veiled  and  darkened,  losing  the  true  dominion  of  the  most  in- 
ward life  of  all  good.  For  in  man  is  the  virtue,  nature,  or  savouring 
property  of  every  creature,  in  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all 
things  visible  and  invisible.  But  the  lamb  in  him,  was  to  be  the  lion, 
king  over  all  the  beasts  of  the  field;  yet  so  it  was  and  is,  that  to  which 
property  he  yields,  or  gives  up  himself  so  as  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of 
its  motion,  to  that  he  becomes  a  servant,  under  its  power  and  dominion, 
whether  it  be  of  God,  angels,  or  beasts,  fish,  fowls,  or  creeping  things; 
"  his  servant  he  is,  whom  he  obeys,"  as  it  is  written,  and  is  transformed 
into  its  likeness  or  property.    As  for  instance,  if  pride  be  the  ruler  or 


102 


swayer  of  any  person  of  mankind,  then  the  nature  of  the  innocent,  meek 
lamb  of  God,  which  should  be  its  ruler  and  governor,  is  become  a  poor, 
suffering  captive  in  that  creature;  oppressed,  grieved,  and  vexed,  even 
as  just  Lot  in  Sodom,  (which  was  a  true  figure  in  the  whole  creation,) 
and  so  the  nature  of  beasts  (by  being  yielded  unto)  ruleth  over  God's  life 
in  him  and  over  the  creature  man.  So  at  length  the  prancing  horse,  that 
paweth  over  the  vallies,  and  the  fierce  and  proud  leviathan,  that  play- 
eth  in  the  great  waters,  are  perfectly  seen  with  the  children  of  men;  and 
the  nature  and  properties  of  the  swine,  wolf,  and  subtle  fox,  the  flying 
serpent,  and  devouring  dragon,  are  brought  forth,  ruling  over  (in  its  do- 
minion) both  the  life,  properties,  and  workmanship  of  God. 

Now  it  is  written,  that  before  the  creation  was  formed,  according  to 
the  will  of  God,  that  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep,  and  the 
earth  was  without  form  and  void,  and  then  the  spirit  of  God  moved 
upon  the  face  of  the  deep,  which  was  covered  with  darkness;  so  it  en- 
tered within  the  darkness,  and  stirred  the  darkness  and  the  waters,  by 
which  the  dark  powers  upon  the  face  of  the  deep  were  stirred,  and 
wrought  also,  bringing  forth  forms  according  to  the  stirring  of  the  depth 
of  the  deeps.  Yet  God  by  his  moving,  is  the  causer  of  the  forming, 
creating,  and  manifesting  of  all  creatures,  visible  and  invisible;  as  it  is 
well  known  in  the  eternal  wisdom,  in  which  Solomon  knew  the  natures, 
properties,  and  habitations  of  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  fowls  of  the  air, 
fish  of  the  sea,  and  the  creeping  things,  with  all  trees,  plants,  roots,  and 
seeds,  from  the  tall  cedar  to  the  hyssop  on  the  wall. 

But  here  is  a  mystery  of  mysteries:  when  God  had  moved  through 
all  these  things,  and  brought  forth  several  forms  into  a  visible  being 
in  several  seasons,  (all  good  as  they  stood  in  the  obedience  or  subjection 
to  the  life  that  stirred  or  formed  them,)  that  he  again  at  last,  or  toward 
the  seventh  day,  stirred  in  the  deep  depth  of  deeps,  to  bring  forth, 
(through,  beyond  and  above  all  things  before  created,)  one  in  the  life 
of  creation,  to  govern  and  rule  over  all  things  created,  being  male  and 
female  in  one,  even  as  a  tree  planted,  having  its  seed  in  itself:  but 
these  wonderful  works  of  God  are  known  only  in  the  deep,  as  it  is  written. 

Now,  if  man,  that  was  thus  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made  and  form- 
ed, (who  hath  been  degenerated  through  disobedience  and  transgression,) 
doth  not  come  again  to  know  the  life  that  formed  him,  and  abide  with 
it,  in  subjection  to  it,  and  staid  in  the  unity  with  it,  but  is  still  a  stranger 
from  it,  through  the  lusts  of  the  natures  of  the  bestial  life  ruling  in 
him,  he  is,  in  this  state,  the  most  miserable  in  the  whole  creation; 
because,  ho  being  formed  out  of  the  depth  of  deeps,  (by  the  most  inward 
spirit,  the  creator,)  will  fall  deeper  than  any  creature  that  was  formed 
upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  even  into  the  bottomless  place,  below 
the  depth  of  deeps,  in  an  eternal  sinking,  being  fallen  from  his  founda- 


103 

tion,  the  spirit  that  formed  him  in  the  life  of  the  depths  of  that  which 
was  before  created. 

Therefore,  O  man!  come  to  thy  centre,  like  as  all  other  creatures 
and  forms  do.  Consider  the  fowls  of  the  air,  in  which  their  property 
was  stirred  to  creation ;  and  also  the  fish  of  the  waters,  in  which  their 
property  was  stirred  or  generated;  and  the  beasts  of  the  field  or  earth, 
and  creeping  things,  who  keep  their  place  in  which  they  were  generated, 
(their  proper  habitation,)  manifesting  the  former  of  them  all.  And  stand 
thou  again  in  thy  proper  habitation,  and  who  then  can  declare  thy 
generation,  being  that  spiritual  man  (in  that  state)  which  judgeth  all 
things,  and  thyself  is  not  judged  of  any.  Let  him  that  reads  this 
understand.  But  when  the  mind  of  man  went  outward,  from  the  sub- 
jection to  the  life  that  formed  him,  he  went  into  the  property  or  place 
of  beasts,  fowls,  and  creeping  things,  and  then  the  true  life  and  former 
of  all  things  became  a  troubler,  reprover,  and  condemner  of  him,  he 
being  gone  from  his  right  place  and  habitation  in  which  he  was  created 
and  placed;  and  so  being  troubled  in  himself,  he  fretted  against  the  life 
that  troubled  and  secretly  judged  him,  (which  is  God,)  and  so  grew  into 
wrath,  anger,  and  frowardness,  even  ready  to  lift  up  his  hand  against 
every  thing  that  crossed  him,  (here  was  Ishmael  born,  whose  hand  is 
against  every  man,)  having  no  resting  place  in  the  upright  life  that 
formed  liim,  but  yielded  his  heart  to  go  outward  into  the  bestial 
properties,  which  should  have  been  always  joined  to  God  his  creator, 
and  not  have  departed  from  him;  but  being  in  transgression  was  afraid 
of  God,  drove  outward  into  the  earth,  like  Adam.  Mark  here,  not 
that  God  the  creator  doth  willingly  or  purposely  drive  men  from  him, 
into  the  outward,  earthly,  or  bestial  properties;  but  man  being  de- 
parted from  him,  by  doing  that  which  is  contrary  to  his  pure  motion 
and  life,  he  is  therefore  troubled,  and  feels  the  anger  of  his  creator  for 
it,  who  is  grieved  and  vexed  with  the  disobedience  of  his  creatures. 
And  so  to  get  ease  from  the  trouble,  man  runs  more  into  those  thoughts 
and  things  which  occasion  more  anger,  torment,  and  trouble  to  his  own 
soul;  like  Saul,  who  got  music  to  quiet  him,  when  he  had  departed  from 
the  true  spirit  and  life  of  creation,  in  which  man  was  brought  forth  in 
the  beginning  in  Adam,  (before  the  inventions,)  in  the  upright  life,  where 
all  was  quiet,  in  subjection  to  God,  who  is  sufficient  rest,  peace,  and 
quietness  to  all  that  live  therein;  but  going  from  it  into  the  beastial 
properties,  man  is  defiled  and  polluted,  it  being  not  his  true  rest,  as 
saith  the  scripture. 

Here  also  was  Cain  gone  out  from  the  true  life,  and  sacrificed  from 
the  outward  property  of  beasts,  in  which  he  was  not  accepted,  but 
was  troubled  and  judged  by  the  inward  life  that  formed  him,  (in  which 
Abel  offered.)  and  so  he  fretted,  and  was  wroth  with  his  brother,  and 


104 


slew  him,  because  he  offered  in  the  most  inward  principle  or  property 
in  which  he  was  formed,  which  was  his  proper  habitation,  and  so  ac- 
cepted, and  in  it  was  well  pleasing  to  God  his  creator.  But  Cain  being 
gone  from  the  inward  into  the  outward,  offered  but  the  outward  in  the 
earthly  and  bestial,  which  reached  not  the  inward,  neither  could  be 
accepted  of  God,  the  most  inward  life  and  power  of  creation;  and  having 
the  sense  of  non-acceptation,  it  reflected  upon  him,  judging  and  troubling 
him,  so  that  his  countenance  fell,  and  he  was  wroth  with  his  brother. 
This  is  Cain's  mark  in  all  ages,  viz.  the  outward  birth  in  the  fleshly  and 
outward  properties,  persecuting  the  inward  spiritual  birth,  in  God's 
property;  which  began  in  Cain  and 'Abel,  as  it  is  written,  "He  that 
was  born  after  the  flesh,"or  the  outward  birth,"persecuted  him  that  was 
born  after  the  spirit,"  or  inward  forming  life,  which  is  God;  even  so  it 
is  now,  as  he  that  is  born  in  Abel's  property  seeth:  therefore  let  him 
that  readeth,  wait  to  understand  it,  in  the  most  inward  principle. 

O  ye  sons  of  Adam !  consider  in  what  property  you  are  born,  and  live, 
and  offer  sacrifice;  for  God  is  not  mocked;  you  shall  reap  what  you  sow, 
and  not  otherwise:  if  you  are  in  the  outward  birth,  which  is  of  the  flesh, 
then  are  you  not  accepted  of  the  most  pure  invisible  God;  but  are 
judged,  troubled,  and  condemned  by  him,  because  of  which  you  are 
fretful,  froward,  and  wroth  against  them  who  are  in  the  inward,  spirit- 
ual birth,  more  righteous  than  you;  for  you  and  your  knowledge  stand 
in  the  proud,  stubborn,  and  wilful  properties  of  brute  beasts,  in  which 
you  speak  evil  of  the  most  inward  things,  which  you  know  not,  as  it  is 
written,  nor  ever  shall  in  that  state,  till  you  come  to  the  most  inward 
life  that  formed  you,  which  is  deeper,  higher,  and  more  excellent,  than 
the  bestial  or  outward  life  in  which  you  offer  sacrifice  to  the  unknown 
God,  who  accepts  it  not  at  your  hands.  And  you  are  them  that  draw  near 
with  your  mouth  and  lips,  but  your  hearts  are  far  off.  Mark,  you  draw 
near  in  the  outward,  but  the  most  inward  is  at  a  distance,  or  that  se- 
parated from  you  in  which  the  acceptance  is.  So,  be  not  deceived;  for 
Cain  and  Abel  are  rightly  understood  in  the  most  inward  ground,  and 
nothing  is  hid  from  the  former  of  all  things,  with  whom  we  have  to  do; 
in  which  also  Jacob  and  Esau  are  clearly  known  and  manifested,  the 
one  a  plain  man  dwelling  in  a  tent,  the  other  a  cunning  hunter,  a  man 
of  the  field,  as  saith  the  scripture;  and  saith  God,  "Jacob  have  I  loved, 
and  Esau  have  I  hated."  But  how  comes  this  to  pass,  that  he  loveth 
pne  and  hateth  the  other,  while  they  are  but  children?  It  is  from  the 
same  ground  in  which  he  had  respect  to  Abel  and  his  offering,  but  not 
to  Cain  and  his  offering.  It  lieth  in  the  births  or  inward  properties  in 
which  they  arc  generated,  ruled,  and  acted,  and  not  in  the  outward 
persons  or  names.  For  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons  or  outward  names. 
So  that  Jacob  was  not  loved  because  his  name  was  Jacob,  for  it  is  written, 


105 


"Thv  name  shall  no  more  be  called  Jacob  but  Israel;  for  ttiou  hast 
wrestled  like  a  prince,  and  hast  prevailed  with  God  and  with  men;' 
Mark,  God  changeth  his  outward  name,  as  he  did  Abram  and  Sarai; 
which  is  also  for  some  reason  (in  his  own  counsel)  which  the  outward 
sees  not.  But  Jacob  was  a  plain  man  in  the  tent,  (the  most  inward 
life,)  his  proper  habitation,  in  which  the  love  and  acceptance  are,  and  are 
manifested  to  that  birth  through  all  ages. 

But  Esau,  which  was  hated,  was  a  cunning  hunter,  a  man  of  the 
field.  Mark,  this  nature  or  property  was  the  hated,  and  not  the  per- 
son, which  by  itself  is  but  earth,  or  a  dead,  passive  creature,  a  man  of 
the  field,  the  mind  wholly  contracted  or  captivated,  in  the  wild,  hunting, 
straying  nature,  even  in  the  outward  properties,  where  the  blessing  is 
not  obtained,  but  is  of  right  unto  Jacob  in  the  tent  before  the  cunning 
hunting  was;  yea,  and  he  shall  be  blessed.  He  that  readeth,  let  him 
understand;  for  they  are  in  being  at  this  day. 

And  now  also  is  the  life  of  Enoch,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Moses,  the  pro- 
phets, Christ,  and  the  apostles  known,  in  the  most  inward  motion,  prin- 
ciple, or  life  that  formed  them;  which  is  not  known  to  the  children  of 
the  fleshly,or  out-birth,no  more  than  he  that  is  upon  the  face  of  thewaters 
knoweth  what  is  in  the  depth  or  bottom  of  the  ocean:  as  it  is  written,  they 
know  nothing  but  what  they  know  naturally  as  brute  beasts,  in  wliich 
property  they  also  corrupt  themselves,  but  the  spiritual,  inward,  or 
plain  man  knoweth  all  things,  being  in  the  tent,  or  counsel  of  the 
Former  thereof.  But  the  natural  knows  not  the  spiritual,  as  I  have  said. 

And  it  is  written,  Enoch  the  seventh  from  Adam,  walked  with  God, 
and  was  not;  for  God  took  him.  Mark,  he  was  retired  through  all  the 
created  properties  back  to  the  life,  the  creator  and  former  of  all  tilings, 
(in  which  the  prophet  was  born)  even  in  the  most  inward  invisible  life 
translated,  and  was  not,  for  God  took  him  out  of  the  sight  and  knowledge 
of  the  out-birth,  into  the  substance  of  Jacob's  tent,  whom  God  loveth;  in 
which  he  prophesied,  that  God,  the  invisible  being,  would  "come  in  ten 
thousands  of  his  saints,"  translated  ones,  "to  convince  them  that  are  un- 
godly of  their  ungodly  deeds,  wliich  they  have  committed,  and  of  their 
hard  speeches,  which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  him,"  and  to 
execute  his  judgments  upon  that  birth  which  knoweth  him  not.  For  the 
acceptance  is  only  in  that  birth  and  life,  which  dwelleth  inwardly,  in 
the  subjection  and  true  knowledge,  love,  and  unity  of  the  eternal,  invi- 
sible life,  which  is,  and  is  called,  the  Lord  and  creator  of  all  things,  who 
shall  so  be  known,  in  a  time  at  hand,  as  fully  and  manifestly  as  the  waters 
cover  the  seas. 

But  Nimrod,  the  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord,  the  beginning  of 
whose  kingdom  is  Babel,  (confusion,)  yet  remains  to  this  day  among  the 
mighty  and  cunning  hunters,  who  have  always  hunted  after  the  most 

14 


106 


inward,  precious,  substantial  life,  which  to  them  is  still  unknown,  as  was 
manifested  in  Cain,  Ishmael,  Esau,  Haman,  Judas,  Herod,  and  many 
more  which  might  be  named,  of  high  priests,  rulers,  and  people,  who 
were  of  the  fleshly  or  out-birth,  in  the  kingdom  of  pride,  subtlety,  envy, 
wrath,  and  persecution,  which  is  of  Babel,  hunting,  as  for  the  prey,  the 
inward  birth  which  walks  with  God  in  the  invisible  life  of  acceptance. 

In  which  Christ  came,  manifesting  his  original,  or  Father,  to  the  world; 
but  the  outward,  or  fleshly  birth,  neither  knew  him  nor  received  him, 
though  the  world,  and  all  things  in  it,  were  made  and  formed  by  him, 
and  for  him,  but  sought  to  persecute  his  precious  life  to  death  as  soon  as 
he  was  born,  as  in  Herod  the  king,  who  knew  not  the  life  of  the  son  of 
God,  when  manifested,  being  in  the  outward  properties  of  this  world,  to 
which  the  inward  is  a  mystery;  as  it  is  written,  "Great  is  the  mystery 
of  God  manifest  in  flesh,  whom  none  of  the  princes  of  this  world  knew." 
because  their  knowledge  and  understanding,  their  kingdom  and  glory,  are 
only  in  the  visible,  earthly,  sensual  properties,  in  which  lieth  the  enmity 
against  the  invisible,  inward,  righteous  life  of  the  innocent  lamb;  who 
fights  not  about  his  kingdom,  worship,  or  sacrifice,  like  Cain  and  his 
generation,  but  prayeth  to  his  Father,  that  they  might  see  what  spirit, 
property,  or  birth  they  are  in,  that  so  they  might  be  turned  inward  in 
their  minds  towards  his  kingdom,  which  he  tells  them  is  within  them 
and  not  outward;  bidding  them  seek  it  in  the  righteousness  thereof, 
and  then  the  outward  should  be  in  subjection,  and  all  good  things  unto 
them  added. 

This  now  consider,  all  you  children  of  the  outward  or  fleshly  birth, 
who  live  and  act  in  the  enmity  and  corrupt  life  of  the  bestial  proper- 
ties, estranged  from  the  most  inward,  pure,  eternal  life  of  the  former 
and  creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  with  speed  turn  your  minds  inward 
and  be  still,  earnestly  desiring  that  you  may  know  God,  being  drawn 
back  into  that  which  can  translate  into  his  kingdom,  which  lieth  hid  in 
you,  invisible,  and  not  outward;  that  you  may  come  to  possess  the  spirit 
of  meekness,  and  righteousness,  and  in  it  be  hid  in  the  dreadful  hour 
that  draweth  near  to  try  all  flesh,  and  its  birth  and  properties,  upon  the 
face  of  the  whole  earth.  And  he  that  is  found  the  smiter  of  his  fellow 
servant,  (like  Cain,)  must  have  his  portion  in  the  banishment  of  God, 
from  his  most  pure  and  glorious  countenance,  and  be  the  vagabond  and 
out-cast  of  his  displeasure  and  indignation  forever. 

Therefore,  I  say,  repent;  that  is,  turn  your  minds  to  that  which  you  are 
estranged  from,  and  ravened  inwardly  from,  as  Christ  said:  for  by  this 
is  the  false  birth  and  false  prophet  known,  viz.  gone  from  the  inward 
life  of  uprightness  and  truth,  and  mind  the  outward  visible  things  only, 
in  which  you  are  cunningly  hunting  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  motions, 
lusts,  and  desires  of  the  bestial  life,  which  in  you  is  judged  and  reproved 


107 


by  the  most  inward  life,  which  is  of  God,  and  is  the  foundation  of 
Enoch,  Abel,  Abraham,  and  the  rest  of  that  generation;  on  which,  if  you 
come  not  to  be  built,  by  repentance  from  the  works  and  nature  of  un- 
righteousness, you  will  fall  with  Cain  and  Judas,  Esau  and  Haman,  and 
the  rest  of  that  generation,  without  hope  of  recovery,  into  the  ever- 
sinking,  bottomless  pit  of  darkness  and  misery  without  end.  For  it  is  a 
fearful  and  dreadful  thing  to  live  and  die  in  that  nature,  birth,  or  pro- 
perty, which  God  is  never  reconciled  unto,  but  abhors  as  an  abomination 
forever;  in  whose  hand  or  power  is  your  breath,  times,  and  seasons,  and 
you  cannot  repent  when  you  will,  or  in  your  own  appointed  time;  but 
when  the  inward  life  of  God  stirs,  with  discoveries  and  reproofs  of  the 
evil  ways,  words,  and  actions,  which  by  you  are  brought  forth,  that  is 
the  time,  when  he  calleth,  to  turn  at  his  reproofs. 

For  saith  God  the  creator,  "My  spirit  shall  not  always  strive  with 
man,  because  he  also  is  flesh,"  or  a  fleshly  birth  of  this  world  is  entered 
the  soul  of  man;  therefore,  think  of  Esau,  who  was  of  this  birth  or  gene- 
ration, that  could  not  find  a  place  of  repentance  or  entrance  of  return- 
ing, being  hardened  in  profaneness,  though  he  sought  it  carefully  with 
tears. 

For  I  tell  you  from  the  certain  knowledge  of  the  mysterious  life  of 
creation,  that  if  you  spend  your  time  without  the  true  knowledge  of  the 
only  wise,  invisible  God,  which  is  through  his  judgments  upon  the  veiling 
out-births,  degenerating  properties  of  unrighteousness,  and  come  not, 
through  it,  to  have  unity  with  him  in  the  most  inward  hidden  life  of 
righteousness,  you  will  be  driven  into  the  most  utter  darkness  and  black- 
ness of  woes  and  miseries  forever.  For,  it  is  not  every  one  that  with 
their  mouth  can  say,  Lord,  Lord,  must  enter  the  kingdom  of  God,  but 
he  that  is  born  again,  translated  as  Enoch,  of  the  birth  of  the  spirit, 
which  was  in  Abel,  by  which  he  offered  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than 
Cain,  unto  his  maker;  this  only,  and  not  another  birth,  is  accepted,  and 
can  walk  with  God  from  Abel  to  this  day,  and  forever,  in  which  Moses 
is  known.  And  Jude  declared  of  Enoch's  prophecy,  the  seventh  from 
Adam,  which  is  a  deep  mystery,  not  known  to  any  but  such  as  walk 
with  God,  and  are  translated. 

Therefore,  think  not  that  the  kingdom,  or  mystery  of  godliness,  consists 
in  outward  things,  or  visible  observations.  For  I  tell  you,  nay;  it  is  a 
deeper  thing  than  the  face  of  the  earth,  which  the  hypocrites  can  dis- 
cern; it  is  the  seventh  from  Adam  in  transgression.  Dig  now,  and  find 
this  pearl  of  great  price  who  can,  which  is  able  to  translate  or  create; 
for  the  day  is  dawned,  in  which  all  things,  visible  and  invisible,  shall  be 
clearly  known  and  manifested  unto  that  birth  in  which  the  only  accept- 
ance with  God  is.  Neither  doth  the  kingdom  of  righteousness  consist  in 
the  satisfying  the  flesh,  the  lusts  of  the  eye  or  ear  outward,  or  in  the 


10S 


pride  oflife;  for  these  are  not  of  the  Father,  but  of  the  world  or  fleshly 
birth,  and  of  the  kingdom  of  the  bestial  powers  of  darkness,  in  which 
the  righteous  holy  God  and  his  kingdom,  are  neither  seen,  known,  or  un- 
derstood, or  in  any  measure  enjoyed;  because  it  is  impossible,  unless  God 
were  changeable:  for  it  is  not  of  the  Father,  (the  most  inward,  pure, 
forming  life,)  but  of  the  world  or  out-birth,  which  is  estranged  from  the 
womb  of  the  original  and  eternal  motion  and  life  of  righteousness.  Be 
not  mistaken — every  motion  hath  a  father,  whether  good  or  evil.  For 
there  are  them  that  are  of  their  father  the  devil,  whose  works  they  do: 
but  we  speak  of  God  the  heavenly  Father,  the  original  of  all  good  and 
blessedness,  who  is  king  of  righteousness,  in  whose  sight  the  proud  and 
stubborn  in  heart  are  abomination]  but  the  devil  is  king  over  all  the 
children  of  pride. 

So  be  still,  and  learn  to  know  the  everlasting  gospel,  which  is  now 
preached  in  every  creature  under  heaven,  saying,  "Fear  God  and  give 
glory  to  him  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  for  the  hour  of  his  judgments 
is  come,"  in  which  Cain,  the  vagabond,  and  his  sacrifice  are  manifested, 
and  the  hidden  things  of  Esau,  (the  cunning  hunter,  which  loseth  the 
blessing,)  are  brought  to  light,  but  Jacob  obtains,  and  Abel's  sacrifice  is 
accepted,  but  the  first  birth  of  the  flesh  is  rejected  forevermore,  Amen. 

Written  in  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  mystery  of  God,  in  which 
the  most  ignorant  may  see,  of  what  form,  seed,  birth,  or  offspring  they 
are;  and  being  still  and  quiet,  may  feel  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  move  upon 
the  face  of  the  deep  in  them,  which  is  the  beginning  of  the  creating  of 
the  new  heavens  and  the  new  earth,  wherein  righteousness  dwells.  Amen. 

I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  hast  hid 
these  things  from  the  out-birth  of  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  and  hast 
revealed  them  to  the  babes  of  the  inward  ground  in  Christ  Jesus,  the 
word  by  whom  the  world  was  made;  even  so  it  pleased  thee.  Amen. 

W.  B. 

The  travail  of  the  bowels  of  Sion;  and  the  cry  of  the  Sins  of  Sodom 

is  very  great  this  day  before  the  Lord. 
$-*  ;  .v  {fj^m^^ki  :.v;. -V  «.  -,./  /' :     , '  *\.  *  • 

This  is  the  day  of  Sion's  travail;  the  pangs  of  her  deliverance  are 
many;  her  cryings-out  are  heard  in  the  land;  the  seed  of  Jacob  wrestles 
in  the  womb  with  his  God  for  the  blessing.  O  Sion!  thy  deliverer 
is  coming  near  unto  thee,  even  he  that  turns  away  ungodliness  from 
Jacob,  and  searcheth  out  the  hidden  things  of  Esau,  which  are  as  stub- 
ble before  him.    O  Sion!  give  up  to  thy  Maker,  and  be  not  secure 


109 


till  thy  deliverance  is  accomplished  Be  watchful  to  every  pang,  and 
forget  not  that  this  is  the  hour  of  thy  travail;  for  thy  maker,  thy  hus- 
band,  who  hath  hcgotten  this  struggling  hirth,  (in  the  eternal  womh 
of  compassions,)  he  will  deliver  it.  Though  the  day  of  thy  sorrows  is 
come  upon  thee,  yet  be  patiently  resigned,  and  seek  not  to  run  away 
from  it,  lest  it  come  unawares,  and  surprise  thee;  for  thy  God  will  not 
forsake  thee,  if  thou  dost  not  forsake  him.  Therefore,  be  still,  be  still, 
and  rest  in  the  good  will  of  thy  Maker,  O  Sion!  (who  tremblest  as  a  bird 
out  of  the  east,)  in  the  dread  of  thy  God,  who  is  swiftly  coming  to  plead 
thy  cause  with  all  flesh,  in  this  the  day  of  thy  sore  travail;  and  wo 
and  judgments  will  be  to  them  that  are  at  ease  in  thee,  O  Sion. 

Therefore,  tremble  ye  careless  daughters,  and  let  all  flesh  be  silent 
before  him,  who  is  come  to  reign  in  Mount  Sion,  and  in  Jerusalem,  and 
before  his  ancients  gloriously.  Awake,  therefore,  ye  that  make  men- 
tion of  his  name!  Retire,  retire  into  the  habitation  of  his  holiness;  and 
let  that  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  its  mouth  that  makes  mention  of 
his  name,  and  not  in  righteousness,  in  this  the  mighty  day  of  his  power 
and  wonders;  for  thy  God  hath  remembered  thee,  O  Sion,  and  will  yet 
again  build  thee  up,  O  Jerusalem,  in  whom  shall  be  the  perpetual  habi- 
tation and  praise  of  the  mighty  God  of  Israel. 

Therefore,  hear,  O  ye  inhabitants  of  Sion,  and  borders  of  Jerusalem ! 
spend  not  your  time  in  vain,  but  be  vigilant,  careful,  and  ponderous;  for 
I  am  a  jealous  God,  respecting  not  the  persons  of  any,  but  for  travailing 
Sion's  sake.  And  I  will  break  and  confound  you  whole-hearted  ones,  as 
a  potter's  vessel.  Though  you  are  numbered  among  my  people,  and 
my  seed  among  transgressors,  yet  you  are  not  of  them  nor  are  they  of 
you;  but  you  are  the  fat  and  strong,  which  I  will  feed  with  judgments 
in  the  day  of  my  fierce  plagues  and  vengeance,  which  hasten  upon  the 
whole  world;  for  my  fire  is  in  Sion,  and  my  furnace  in  Jerusalem.  Feel 
this,  you  -slothful,  careless,  and  rebellious,  who  give  not  that  up  to  the 
slaughter  which  is  for  the  slaughter,  and  that  to  the  famine  which  is 
for  the  famine,  but  keep  back  the  oxen  that  low  in  mine  ears!  There- 
fore, give  up,  ye  graves,  and  let  the  dead,  both  small  and  great,  come 
to  judgment,  that  my  numberless  number  may  stand  upon  Mount  Sion, 
with  the  harps  of  everlasting  joy  and  melody  in  their  hands,  and  halle- 
lujahs in  their  hearts,  and  songs  of  praise  and  triumph  in  their  mouths 
forevermore.  For  the  day  hastens,  yea,  the  day  hastens,  even  the  day 
of  recompenses.  The  cry  of  the  sins  of  Sodom  is  great  before  God  this 
day,  which  will  draw  down  vengeance  upon  the  inhabitants  thereof; 
and  the  noise  of  the  rolling  of  Sion's  bowels  are  heard  in  the  ears  of  the 
compassions  of  the  Almighty  Jehovah.  The  cry  is  great  in  the  earth, 
and  it  reacheth  unto  heaven.  O  thou  seed  of  Jacob!  how  dost  thou 
travail  and  strive  to  get  through  the  narrows,  over  the  earth,  into  the 


110 


broad  places,  that  thou  mightest  stretch  forth  thy  hands,  as  he  that 
swimmeth  stretcheth  forth  his  hands  to  swim. 

O  thou  city  of  the  true  Israelite,  in  whom  is  found  no  guile!  how 
doth  my  soul  and  my  bowels  sound  like  the  warbling  harp  for  thee.  O 
thou  beloved  one!  arise,  arise,  and  let  the  earth  be  moved  at  thy  stir- 
ring; and  bring  thou  vengeance,  judgments,  and  overthrows  upon  the 
inhabitants  and  foundations  thereof,  which  are  out  of  course.  I  have 
seen,  I  have  seen  thy  travail,  O  thou  most  pure  and  undefiled  one !  and 
thy  pangs  have  taken  hold  of  my  soul,  which  partakes  with  thee  in  thy 
sorrows;  therefore,  for  Sion's  sake  I  cannot  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Je- 
rusalem's sake  I  cannot  rest,  till  her  judgment  go  forth  as  a  light,  and 
her  righteousness  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 

And  my  cry  is  unto  thee,  O  righteous  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  who  art  the  great  Almighty,  and  dreadful  God,  before  whom  all 
nations  are  as  nothing!  Thou  astonisher  of  all  flesh,  thou  art  even  too 
wonderful  for  me,  that  when  I  begin  to  speak  to  thy  Majesty,  I  am  as 
a  man  astonished,  and  my  heart  melteth  as  wax  before  thee,  thou  ter- 
rible One!  And  I  could  even  sit  down  in  sackcloth  and  ashes  forever, 
silent  hefore  thy  presence,  in  admiration  of  thy  wonders  and  goodness. 
Surely,  if  thou  hadst  been  a  changeable  God,  the  sons  of  Jacob  had 
been  consumed,  but  thy  compassions  fail  not  to  thy  seed  forever.  There- 
fore, thou  givest  strength  and  boldness  to  thy  babes  to  cry  unto  thee, 
and  even  to  wrestle  and  reason  with  thee,  O  thou  great  and  terrible 
One,  thou  mighty  Jehovah!  My  soul  is  poured  out  unto  thee,  and  my 
bowels  are  like  a  boiling  pot,  in  remembrance  of  thy  mercies,  and  I  am 
even  melted  with  the  fire  of  thy  love  and  jealousy,  and  my  tears  trickle 
down  before  thee  for  Sion's  sake.  O  my  God!  how  long  shall  it  be  ere  the 
seed  be  gathered  into  the  garner  of  salvation?  How  long  shall  it  be 
ere  wickedness  hath  an  end,  and  transgression  be  finished?  O  Lord 
God!  my  heart  and  soul  maketh  a  noise  in  me,  because  of  these  things. 
How  long  shall  the  wicked  bear  rule?  How  long  shall  the  stubborn, 
envious,  boisterous,  and  rebellious  nature  have  a  dwelling-place  in  the 
earth  over  thy  life?  How  long  shall  thy  precious,  tender,  righteous,, 
holy  seed  groan  under  the  weights,  oppressions,  and  heavy  burdens  of 
iniquity,  injustice,  and  cruelty?  How  long  shall  the  enemy  prevail? 
How  long  wilt  thou  suffer  the  abominations  that  make  desolate,  to  bear 
sway  in  the  world?  When  shall  the  kingdoms  thereof  become  thy  king- 
doms, and  of  thy  Christ's?  O  Lord  God  of  glory!  my  heart  is  even  on 
fire  to  wrestle  with  thee  about  these  things;  yet  if  thou  sayest,  "Be  si- 
lent," I  will  be  silent.  But  thou,  O  eternal  God!  hast  moved  in  my  soul, 
and  kindled  my  inward  parts,  that  it  even  flameth  in  the  love  and  zeal 
of  thy  name,  and  is  even  restless  till  thou  answerest;  for  thou  hast 
quickened  me,  and  put  strength  in  me,  else  could  I  not  stand  to  speak 


Ill 


one  word  in  thy  presence.   O  thou  great  God  of  truth!  art  not  thou  he 
that  cut  Rahab,  and  wounded  the  dragon,  and  overthrew  Pharaoh's 
host^  and  drowned  the  old  world  for  their  continual  wickedness  and  re- 
bellion against  thee,  and  the  reproofs  of  thy  spirit?    Art  not  thou  he 
that  rained  down  fire  and  brimstone  upon  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  because 
of  their  pride  and  ungodliness,  idolatry  and  lasciviousness?    And  did 
any  of  those  whom  thou  destroyedst  in  thy  fierce  anger,  exceed  these 
in  abominations,  even  this  present  generation,  which  so  highly  provoke 
thee  to  wrath  and  jealousy?    Doth  not  thy  hot  displeasure  burn  against 
them?  Dost  not  thou  even  stay  and  wait  to  fetch  thy  full  blow  of  ven- 
geance, even  the  fatal  and  final  stroke  of  indignation  against  this  gene- 
ration also  ?    Art  not  thou  he  that  created  all  flesh  by  the  word  of  thy 
power?    And  canst  not  thou  destroy  all  at  thy  pleasure  with  the  same, 
as  in  a  moment?    O  Lord  God!  my  soul  is  in  heaviness,  till  thou  arisest 
to  plead  thy  cause  on  earth  for  Sion's  sake.    Awake,  awake,  thou  arm 
of  strength!  glorify  thy  name,  and  let  thy  mighty  wonders  be  manifest- 
ed, as  in  ancient  days.    And  rouse  up  thyself,  thou  lion  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah,  and  let  all  nations  feel  thy  terrible  power!    O  Lord  God! 
strike  dread,  terror,  and  astonishments  in  the  hearts  of  thine  enemies, 
even  all  workers  of  iniquity,  who  make  a  mock  at  sin,  and  a  derision 
of  thy  heritage,  and  take  pleasure  in  the  things  which  thou  abhorrest. 
Plead  with  them  by  fire  and  sword,  thou  mighty  God,  even  by  the  word 
of  thy  power,  which  shall  make  the  nations  to  tremble.    And  put  forth 
thy  mighty  hand,  and  scatter  the  ungodly  inventions  of  men,  which 
grieve  thy  pure  spirit,  and  let  them  see  the  unrighteousness,  injustice, 
and  great  abominations  that  are  committed  in  the  land  against  thee  and 
thy  people,  as  if  thou  wert  departed  from  the  earth,  or  took  no  notice 
of  the  doings  of  the  children  of  men.    O  righteous  God  of  glory !  blow 
upon  that  spirit,  and  blast  it  forever,  that  gives  liberty  and  toleration  to 
the  ways  of  ungodliness,  sportings,  riotings,  wantonness,  playings,  blas- 
phemous shows,  and  idolatrous  practices,  in  which  are  acted  even  dread- 
ful and  provoking  abominations  against  thee,  the  jealous  God  of  truth, 
and  that  limits,  or  would  limit  thy  pure,  eternal,  incomprehensible  spirit, 
and  thy  heritage  to  the  number  of  four  or  five  persons,  (which  shall  not 
be,)  and  will  suffer  or  allow  hundreds  to  meet  and  practise  such  things, 
which  vex  thy  righteous  soul  from  day  to  day. 

Surely,  surely,  O  Lord!  thou  wilt  suddenly  arise  in  the  greatness  of 
thy  strength,  and  manifest  thy  great  and  sore  displeasure  against  these 
abominations;  and  all  flesh  shall  know  that  thou  art  the  Lord  and  King 
of  kings,  who  searcheth  the  heart,  and  trieth  the  reins,  and  wilt  reward 
every  one  according  to  his  works.  And  let  this  generation  remember 
their  sister  Sodom,  upon  whom  thy  vengeance  was  poured  forth,  (for 
an  example  unto  them  that  should  afterward  live  ungodly,)  when  their 


112 


sins  had  reached  to  heaven,  and  the  cry  of  their  wickedness  had  come 
up  before  thee;  and  let  them  know  also,  that  their  day  hastens,  and 
their  sins  reach  to  heaven,  even  against  thee  and  thy  dear  people,  which 
is  thy  portion. 

O  righteous,  holy  God!  how  long  shall  wickedness  burn,  and  not  be 
consumed?  Was  there  ever  a  generation  exceeding  this  in  un- 
godliness and  variety  of  abominations?  Was  thy  spirit  ever  more 
laden  with  the  iniquities  of  a  people,  than  thou  art  with  this  people? 
Surely  thou  art  oppressed  more  than  when  a  cart  is  overladen  with 
sheaves.  O  thou  pure,  eternal  God  of  righteousness !  my  soul  cries  unto 
thee,  a  separation,  a  separation,  divide,  divide,  break,  break,  confound, 
confound,  scatter,  scatter,  and  pour  forth  thy  vengeance  upon  the  hea- 
then that  know  thee  not,  within  and  without,  and  upon  the  families 
that  call  not  upon  thy  name ;  that  thy  pure,  precious  seed  may  arise, 
and  shine  forth  in  its  beauty  and  glory  over  all,  for  whose  sake  alone 
thou  hast  spared  nations,  and  wouldst  have  spared  Sodom,  if  thou  hadst 
found  it  risen  in  ten  persons,  and  for  whose  sake  thou  wilt  plead  with 
all  flesh  living. 

Arise,  arise,  thou  mighty  God  of  valour,  like  a  lion  out  of  his  thicket, 
and  tear,  and  go  thy  way,  thou  Ancient  of  days;  and  let  the  earth,  and 
heavens,  and  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  tremble  at  thy  dreadful 
presence !  How  long  wilt  thou  suffer,  thou  long-suffering  spirit,  ere  thou 
be  fully  avenged  on  thine  adversaries? 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  the  great  and  mighty  Jehovah  of  Israel! 
Ye  children,  in  whose  hearts  is  my  fear,  love,  truth,  and  righteousness, 
who  are  poor,  and  contrite  in  spirit,  and  tremble  at  my  word,  in 
this  the  day  of  my  power!  enter  you  into  your  secret  hiding  place, 
which  I  have  prepared,  and  shut  the  door,  that  the  evils,  temptations, 
and  snares  of  the  enemy  may  not  enter  your  dwellings;  and  stand  still 
in  quietness,  in  the  dominion  of  my  life,  in  the  content  and  peace  of  my 
spirit.  For  the  day  hastens,  in  which  I  will  spread  my  nets  of  ven- 
geance upon  the  ungodly,  and  I  will  take  the  wild  boars  of  the  forest, 
and  the  subtle  foxes  of  the  desert,  that  spoil  my  vines,  and  hurt  my 
tender  grapes:  and  the  sinners  in  Sion  shall  be  afraid,  and  fearfulness  shall 
surprise  the  hypocrite.  Therefore,  all  fear  and  dread  my  great  and 
glorious  name,  which  shall  now  be  manifested  to  the  dividing  in  all  na- 
tions. The  harvest  is  near,  therefore  sleep  not;  "for  behold,  I  come 
quickly,  and  my  reward  is  with  me,  to  render  to  every  man  as  his 
works  shall  be." 

Even  I  am  coming  from  Bozra,  in  the  greatness  of  my  strength,  with 
my  dyed  garments,  that  have  been  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted 
with  griefs,  who  have  trodden  the  wine-press  alone.  It  is  I  that  am 
coming  in  my  fury,  to  trample  upon  mine  oppressors.  Yea,  I  will  bathe 


113 


my  sword  in  the  blood  of  mine  enemies,  and  I  will  be  fully  avenged  on 
mine  adversaries;  for  to  me  it  is  given  to  judge  and  to  condemn,  to  de- 
stroy, and  to  lay  waste,  and  consume,  to  build  and  to  plant,  to  save  and 
redeem,  to  unloose  and  deliver.  Even  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth, 
and  all  judgment  is  given  to  me,  who  have  been  the  long-sufferer,  the 
lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world;  who  am  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart,  in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile;  even  I,  the  star  of  Jacob,  and 
foundation  of  Israel,  who  am  the  spirit  of  judgment  and  counsel,  of  wis- 
dom, and  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  And  because  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness am  I  arisen,  and  have  set  my  face  like  a  flint,  to  plead  with  all  flesh, 
and  none  shall  be  able  to  stand  before  me,  but  them  that  have  taken 
hold  of  my  strength,  who  are  in  my  own,  true,  holy,  faithful,  weighty, 
solid,  deep,  humble,  dreadful,  infallible  life;  all  others  shall  be  as  chaff 
before  the  wind.    I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it. 

Therefore,  be  watchful,  all  ye  that  make  mention  of  my  name,  and 
let  all  flesh  keep  silence  before  me.  For  I  will  fan  and  try  all  people, 
and  shake  the  foundations  of  the  earth,  that  that  which  cannot  be 
shaken  may  remain  only.  Blessed  is  he  that  is  able  to  stand  and  wait 
for  me,  to  receive  me  at  my  coming.  Amen,  hallelujah. 

Written  in  the  breathings  of  the  life  of  the  seed  of  Jacob,  for  the  de- 
liverance of  Sion,  and  for  the  utter  destruction  and  consumption  of  spi- 
ritual Sodom,  where  our  Lord  also  is  crucified,  throughout  the  whole 
world,  by 

William  Bayly. 


A  COMMON  OBJECTION  ANSWERED 

ABOUT  THE 

NAME  OF  JESUS. 


There  is  a  great  noise,  by  way  of  objection,  among  many  of  the  pro- 
fessors in  this  age,  against  the  people  called  Quakers;  which  is  on  this 
wise,  viz:  We  do  not  understand,  say  they,  that  you  ever  pray  to  God 
in  the  name  of  Jesus,  or  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  &c. 
though  we  grant  you  often  preach  and  pray,  and  many  good  exhorta- 
tions there  are  to  be  heard  among  you,  but  we  seldom  or  never  hear 
you  pray  or  preach  in  the  name  of  Jesus*,  or  you  seldom  use  the  name 
of  Jesus  among  you;  but  of  God,  and  the  Father,  and  the  light,  and  the 
power,  and  the  spirit,  and  the  wisdom  of  God,  &c.  Seeing  it  is  written, 
that  whatsoever  you  do,  do  it  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  and  to  the 
name  of  Jesus,  let  every  tongue  confess,  and  every  knee  bow;  and  what- 
soever ye  ask  in  my  name,  saith  Jesus,  shall  be  given  to  you,  &c. 

To  which  I  shall  endeavour  to  answer,  as  I  have  received  of  the 
Lord,  making  it  manifest  unto  the  meanest,  simple,  sober  understanding, 
whose  heart  truly  desires  after  the  everlasting  satisfaction  which  is  in 
the  fulness  of  the  one  only  true  God,  who  is  one  Lord  and  his  name 
one,  unto  or  in  them  who  are  in  subjection  to  the  Higher  Power,  which 
hath  a  name  above  every  name  under  heaven,  to  which  every  knee 
shall  bow. 

First.  I  do  affirm,  that  they  who  preach  and  pray  in  the  spirit,  and 
power,  and  light,  and  wisdom  of  God,  do  pray  in  the  name  of  Jesus; 
for  Jesus  is  but  a  name  which  was  given  unto  that  which  was  before 
that  name  was,  which  the  angel  called  a  holy  thing,  and  also  said,  "That 
holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee,  shall  be  called  the  son  of  God."* 
And  also,  it  is  written,  "  Behold  a  virgin  shall  be  with  child,  and  shall 
bring  forth  a  son,  and  they  shall  call  his  name  Immanuel;  which  being 
interpreted  is,  God  with  us."  So  that  this  One  Holy  Thing  in  process  of 
time,  according  to  the  knowledge  of  his  works  and  operations,  in  and  by 
many,  hath  several,  many,  and  various  names  given  unto  it. 


•  Luke  i.  SI. 


115 


Therefore  consider  the  weight  of  the  mystery  of  God.  which  is  manifest- 
ed, and  hath  been  manifested,  through  divers  things,  names,  and  operations 
unto  mankind,  since  his  departure  from  that  life  in  which,  in  the  begin- 
ning, he  was  made  in  uprightness,  according  to  its  own  likeness  and  image. 
As,  after  man  had  transgressed,  the  name  of  this  holy  thing  was  then 
promised  under  this  denomination,  "  the  seed  of  the  woman,"  which  was 
to  bruise  the  serpent's  head,  which  had  led  into  transgression.  And  his 
name  is  called,  '-the  word  of  God,"  by  whom  all  things  were  made  and 
created;  and  he  is  called,  "  the  faithful  and  true  witness,"  the  "  beginning 
of  the  creation  of  God;"  and  he  is  called,  a  the  lamb  slain  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  \vorld;"  and  he  is  called  "the  lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah;"  and 
he  is  called,  "the  wonderful  counsellor;"  and  he  is  called,  "  the  Lord  our 
righteousness;"  and  he  is  called,  "the  prince  of  peace,"  and  "the  tried 
stone,"  and  "  a  rock:"  and  yet  the  same  is  called  the  "  branch,"  and  the 
"  child,"  and  the  "  mediator,"  and  the  "  redeemer,"  and  the  "  king  of 
Sion,"  and  the  "  star  of  Jacob,"  and  the  "  star  of  Israel,"  and  the  "  bright 
and  morning  star."  And  he  saith  of  himself,  "  I  am  the  good  shepherd, 
which  lays  down  his  life  for  the  sheep;"  and  in  a  certain  place  it  is  written, 
"the  life  is  the  light  of  men."  And  again  saith  of  himself,  "I  am  the  way, 
the  truth,  and  the  life,"  and  "1  am  the  true  vine,"  and  "I  am  the  door;"  and 
yet  saith,  "  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock:"  and  "  I  am  the  light  of  the 
world,  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by  me."  And  Moses  wrote  of 
him,  saying,  "  A  prophet  will  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  in  the  midst  of 
his  brethren,  like  unto  me,  and  him  shall  you  hear  in  all  things;  and  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  that  he  that  will  not  hear  that  prophet,  shall  be  cut  off 
from  among  the  people."  And  the  apostle  saith,  "  Say  not  in  thy  heart, 
who  shall  go  up  into  heaven,  to  bring  Christ  down,  or  into  the  earth,  or 
beyond  the  seas,  to  fetch  him  hither  for  us?  But  the  word  is  very  nigh 
thee,  even  in  thy  heart  and  in  thy  mouth,  that  thou  mayst  hear  it  and 
do  it;  and  this  is  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach,"  &c:  and  some- 
times saith,  "  we  preach  Clirist  crucified,  unto  the  Jews,  (who  sought 
after  an  outward  sign,)  a  stumbling  block,  and  to  the  Greeks,  (who  sought 
after  wisdom  of  words,)  foolishness;"  but  to  them  that  were  saved,  Christ 
was  the  "  power  and  wisdom  of  God;"  of  whom  unto  them  was  also  made 
righteousness,  sanctitication,  and  redemption;  but  is  a  stone  of  stumbling 
and  rock  of  offence  unto  them  that  are  disobedient  to  the  word  of  faith-, 
which  is  very  nigh,  in  the  heart  and  in  the  mouth,  etc. 

Secondly.  Now  rightly  consider  and  understand,  that  all  these  various 
names  were  given  to  and  spoken  of  one  and  the  self  same  thing,  (as  it 
is  written,  "the  undefiled  is  but  one,")  in  which  is  the  substance  of  them 
all,  and  all  types,  shadows,  figures,  and  words,  centre  and  end,  even 
in  him  who  is  the  alpha  and  omega;  to  which  they  were  given,  accord- 
ing to  the  dispensations,  manifestations,  and  operations  unto  the  under- 


116 


standings,  and  sensible  workings  in  the  souls  of  the  sons  of  men.  As 
thus,  when  he  manifestcth  unto  man  his  transgressions,  vain  life,  words,  and 
conversation,  and  the  evil  of  his  ways,  and  that  he  hath  not  peace  with 
God,  being  in  the  fall,  by  this  first  appearance  this  holy  thing  is  properly 
called  "light;"  and  as  it  checks,  reproves,  troubles,  and  smites,  it  might  be 
called  a  "  manifestation  of  the  power  and  spirit  of  God;"  and  as  it  judg- 
eth  and  condemneth  in  the  same,  he  is  properly  called  "a  law-giver" 
and  "a  judge; "  and  as  he  destroys  and  slays  the  enmity  or  root  of  iniquity 
in  man,  which  separates  from  God,  he  is  called  the  "word  of  recon- 
ciliation;" and  so  having  reconciled  by  his  power  or  life  to  God  again,  by 
this  operation  and  effectual  work,  he  is  rightly  called  "a  redeemer,"  "a 
restorer,"  and  "a  maker  up  of  the  breaches."  And  as  he  guides,  draws, 
and  leads  out  of  sin,  he  is  called  a  "leader  or  commander  of  the  people;" 
and  as  he  preserves  and  defends  them  whom  he  hath  led  out  of  trans- 
gression in  himself,  he  is  called  a  "  rock,"  a  "  refuge,"  a  "  shield,"  a 
"  strong  tower,"  and  a  "  munition  of  rocks,"  &c.  And  as  he  instructs, 
teaches,  and  counsels,  he  is  called  the  "  wonderful  counseller,"  the 
"prophet,"  and  "high  priest,"  and  the  "overseer  of  the  soul;"  and  as 
he  rules,  and  hath  the  dominion  in  man,  then  may  he  by  that  man  be 
properly  called  "the  Lord,"  and  in  truth  may  say,  "  The  Lord  is  my  light, 
the  Lord  is  my  judge,  the  Lord  is  my  law-giver,  the  Lord  is  my  king, 
my  shepherd  and  saviour,"  which  is  Christ,  the  power  of  God,  the 
anointing;  which,  when  so  known  and  enjoyed,  as  before  mentioned, 
in  a  man,  there  is  truly  witnessed  the  knowledge  of  the  only  true  God, 
and  the  government  and  kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  not 
before.    He  that  can  receive  it,  let  him. 

Now,  it  is  written,  "  His  name  shall  be  called  Jesus  ;  for  he  shall  save 
his  people  from  their  sins."  Mark,  his  name,  signifying  it  was  a  thing 
before  the  name  Jesus  was,  or  any  other  of  those  names  before  men- 
tioned. For  he  is  that  word,  or  power,  by  which  all  things  that  were 
made  were  made  and  created,  of  which  it  is  said,  "  In  the  beginning  he 
was  with  God,  and  was  God;"  and  by  the  angel  called  "  Immanucl, 
God  with  us ;"  and  by  the  apostle,  the  "  power  of  God,"  and  the  "  wis- 
dom of  God."  So  that  it  is  not  the  names  which  are  to  be  contended  or 
striven  about,  (which  is  to  no  profit,)  but  rather  to  wait  to  know  that 
name  which  is  a  "  strong  tower,"  to  which  every  knee  shall  bow,  of 
things  in  heaven  and  things  in  earth,  which  is  the  higher  power,  of 
God  ordained,  that  to  it  every  soul  should  be  subject,  &c. 

So  that  all  these  names  are  given  to  the  power  of  God,  in  which  is  the 
fulness  of  the  treasures  of  life,  virtue,  goodness,  mercy,  truth,  wisdom, 
and  knowledge;  which  never  fadeth  away,  and  in  which  is  enjoyed 
every  good  and  perfect  gift.  The  power  of  God,  who  is  light,  reproveth 
for  sin;  the  power  of  God  instructs,  teaches,  guides,  counsels,  restores, 


117 


reconciles,  preserves,  defends,  and  gives  victory  and  dominion,  where 
it  is  obeyed,  over  all  things  which  are  contrary  to  the  power  of  God. 

So,  all  these  names  arc  given  to  the  power  of  God,  which  is  but  one, 
and  is  that  name  which  is  "as  precious  ointment  poured  forth,"  and  is  the 
strong  tower  in  which  the  righteous  are  safe,  which  is  called  "Christ," 
"  God  with  us,"  "  the  Immanuel,"  which  worketh  and  fulfilleth  the  Fa- 
ther's will,  or  efTectcth  the  willings  and  purposes  of  the  original  fountain 
from  whence  it  springs,  which  holy  thing  is  called  rightly  "the  son  of 
God,"  "the  heir  of  all  things,"  by  which  they  were  made  and  created;  and 
he  is  before  all  things,  and  the  end  of  all  things,  the  "alpha"  and  "ome- 
ga," the  "amen." 

Thirdly.  Now,  if  any  pray,  or  preach,  or  speak  in  the  power  of  God, 
and  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  they  do  it  in  the  name  of  Jesus;  or  if  any 
pray  in  the  truth,  and  the  life,  and  the  way,  they  pray  in  the  name  of 
Jesus;  and  if  any  pray  in  the  true  light  and  spirit  of  God,  "which 
lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,"  they  pray  in  the 
name  of  Jesus ;  as  it  is  written  "  the  true  worshippers  worship  the 
Father  in  the  spirit,  and  in  the  truth ;"  and  not  every  one  that  saith, 
"Lord,  Lord,"  or  that  can  often  mention  the  name  "Jesus."  It  is 
another  thing  than  the  wisdom  of  this  world  can  either  speak  or  com- 
prehend :  for  it  is  written,  "  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  shall  be  saved ;"  and  "  no  man  can  call  Jesus  Lord,  but  by 
the  spirit  of  God ;"  and  "  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Jesus, 
departs  from  iniquity."  He  that  can  hear,  let  him. 

Therefore  stumble  not  nor  dispute  not  about  names,  or  words,  or  let- 
ters, which  were  given,  through  the  various  operations,  to  the  one,  holy, 
undefiled,  unchangeable  thing,  as  it  was  witnessed,  understood,  and 
enjoyed,  by  those  men  which  were  made  holy  through  the  divine 
workings,  teachings,  instructions,  counsels,  and  guidances  of  it. 

Fourthly.  Now  mark  and  consider  these  words  following:  "Whatsoever 
you  do,  do  all  in  the  name  of  Jesus;"  and  "to  the  name  of  Jesus  let  every 
knee  bow,  and  tongue  confess ;"  and  through  the  name  of  Jesus  the 
devils  were  made  subject ;  and  through  faith  in  the  name  of  Jesus  peo- 
ple receive  the  remission  of  sins,  &c. 

Yet  again  it  is  written,  by  the  true  christians,  "  We  are  the  circum- 
cision that  worship  God  in  the  spirit,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the 
flesh ;"  and  saith,  "  if  ye  walk  in  the  spirit,  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lusts 
of  the  flesh;"  and  "I  will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  sing  with  the  spirit, 
and  with  the  understanding ;"  "for  the  son  of  God  is  come,  and  hath  given 
us  an  understanding,"  &c. 

And  again:  "As  every  one  of  us  have- received  Christ  Jesus  the  J^ord, 
so  let  us  walk  in  him;"  and  "  if  we  are  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light, 
then  have  we  fellowship  with  the  Father,  and  with  the  son  Jesus  Christ, 


118 


and  one  with  another,"  in  him.  And  the  Father,  son,  and  spirit  are 
one,  winch  was  before  the  names,  letters,  or  words  were,  or  before  the 
bodies  of  creatures  were  made  and 'created,  who  is  the  imisible,  only 
wise  God,  who  to  us  is  one  Lord,  and  his  name  one.  And  "as  many  as 
are  led  by  the  spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God."  And  Adam, 
before  transgression,  before  the  names  were  given  to  any  creatures  or 
things,  or  words  or  letters  were,  was  in  the  image  of  God,  and  blessed 
of  God,  in  dominion  over  all  creatures,  the  son  of  God;  and  he  that  leads 
again  out  of  transgression  into  the  paradise  of  God,  is  the  "second  Adam," 
the  "Lord  from  heaven,"  the  "quickening  spirit,"  which  is  given  to  us, 
who  have  believed  and  received  him,  to  lead  us  into  all  truth,  and  is  our 
comforter,  instructer,  preserver,  king,  and  saviour,  reproving  the  world 
for  sin,  and  for  righteousness,  and  for  judgment,  as  it  is  written.  So 
there  is  a  white  stone  given,  with  a  new  name  in  it,  which  no  man 
knoweth  but  he  that  receiveth  it. 

But  as  many  as  receive  this  white  stone,  (the  light,)  to  them  he  gives 
power  to  become  the  sons  of  God;  in  which  the  names  end,  and  that 
name  only  remains  winch  is  a  strong  tower,  and  a  sure  dwelling  place 
for  all  the  upright  in  heart,  from  the  beginning,  at  this  day,  and  forever. 
Amen. 

This  is  written  for  the  sake  of  the  simple-minded,  who  desire  to 
know  the  truth,  and  to  walk  therein,  in  which  is  no  occasion  of  stum- 
bling, but  is  the  path  of  the  just,  which  shines  more  and  more  to  the 
perfect  day,  where  is  but  one  Lord,  and  his  name  one. 


William  Bayly. 


A  brief  Declaration  to  all  the  world,  from  the  innocent  people  of  God, 
called  Quakers,  of  our  principle  and  belief  concerning  plotlings, 
and  fightings  with  carnal  weapons,  against  any  people,  men,  or 
nations  upon  the  earth.  To  take  away  the  reproach  of  any  jea- 
lousy out  of  the  minds  of  all  people,  concerning  us  in  this  parti- 
cular,  and  to  answer  that  common  objection,  whether  we  would 
not  fight  if  the  spirit  moved  us. 


As  for  us,  our  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  and  our  warfare  is  not  for 
earthly  crowns,  honours,  or  glory,  hut  it  is  spiritual,  and  for  a  kingdom 
without  end;  and  our  weapons  are  not  carnal,  but  spiritual,  and  mighty 
through  God  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places,  and  all  ungod- 
liness and  unrighteousness  of  men,  and  not  against  their  persons  or 
estates  outwardly.  And  we  are  them  of  whom  Enoch  prophesied,  the 
saints  "in  whom  the  Lord  would  come  to  convince  all  the  ungodly  of 
their  ungodly  deeds  and  hard  speeches,  and  to  execute  his  judgments 
upon  them;"  not  by  outward  sword,  to  destroy  creatures,  but  by  the 
sword  of  the  spirit  of  the  living  God,  who  is  come  to  destroy  the  works 
of  the  devil. 

And  as  for  our  principle,  it  is  everlasting  and  universal,  without  be- 
ginning or  end.  It  is  the  foundation  of  God,  and  all  the  holy  prophets, 
apostles,  and  saints  since  the  world  began;  on  which  our  faith,  hope,  and 
belief  are  founded,  as  upon  a  rock,  steadfast  and  immoveable,  against 
which  the  gates  of  hell  and  death  cannot  prevail;  for  it  is  the  same  that 
was  in  the  beginning,  before  death,  hell,  strife,  and  wars,  or  enmity, 
the  ground  of  it,  were,  and  before  disobedience,  transgression,  confusion, 
or  the  hardness  of  heart  were,  even  Christ  Jesus,  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant of  life  and  peace,  the  son  of  the  living  God,  who  is  not  come  to 
destroy  men's  lives,  but  to  save  them.  And  he  being  come  to  us,  and 
dwelling  in  us,  hath  given  us  an  understanding,  that  we  know  him  that 
is  true,  and  are  in  him  that  is  true,  and  we  know  what  spirit  we  are  of; 
for  being  joined  unto  him,  the  Lord,  we  are  one  spirit  with  him,  even 
the  lamb  of  God  that  takes  away  the  sin,  and  destroys  the  works  of  the 
devil,  the  author  and  ground  of  strife  and  mischief,  of  plottings,  mur- 
ders, wars,  and  confusion;  and  reconciles  men  unto  God  again,  and  one 
unto  another  in  true  love  and  peace.  Mark,  he  destroys  the  devil  and 
his  works,  he  takes  away  the  sin,  takes  away  the  nature,  destroys  the 
ground  of  enmity  in  men,  kills  the  contrary  seed,  the  root  from  which 


120 


the  wars  and  fightings  come — breaks  the  cockatrice  in  the  egg,  lest  it 
should  become  a  serpent.  This  is  our  saviour,  and  our  everlasting  prin- 
ciple, that  doth  these  things  in  us  and  for  us,  even  Christ,  the  power  of 
God  and  the  wisdom  of  God,  the  saviour  and  not  the  destroyer  of  men's 
lives;  who  gives  his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks  to  them  that 
pluck  off  the  hair  in  all  ages,  in  whom  or  what  persons  soever  he  is 
made  manifest.    So  that  we  perfectly  know  what  spirit  we  arc  of,  and 
are  not  in  doubt,  whether  this  be  the  saviour,  or  whether  we  should 
look  for  another.    But  we  know  and  are  assured,  that  this  is  the  son  of 
God,  and  we  are  in  him  that  is  true,  (as  we  have  said,)  who  works  all 
our  good  works  in  us  and  for  us.  This  is  the  true  God  and  eternal  life, 
which  was  in  the  beginning,  before  enmity  was,  who  hath  brought  us, 
and  is  bringing  many  through  the  daily  cross  to  the  will  of  man,  before 
strife  was,  or  that  spirit  that  is  afraid  that  every  one  that  findeth  him 
will  kill  him,  which  was  in  Cain,  the  killer  and  persecutor  about  sacri- 
fice and  offerings.  But  we  fear  not  their  fear  of  killing  or  of  death,  (the 
sting  thereof  being  taken  away,  which  is  sin,  the  enmity,  the  ground 
of  the  fear,  of  murder,  of  strife,  and  plottings  of  mischief,  and  violence 
against  creatures,)  being  redeemed  up  to  God  the  creator  of  all,  who 
hath  made  all  nations  of  men  of  one  blood  that  dwell  upon  the  face  of 
the  whole  earth,  who  will  rebuke  them,  even  the  spirit  of  enmity  and 
pride,  the  ground  of  strife  and  wars,  that  "they  shall  beat  their  swords 
into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning  hooks,  and  not  learn 
war  any  more."* 

This  hath  the  Lord  God,  by  his  eternal  power,  through  his  righteous 
judgments  and  everlasting  mercies,  begun  among  us,  who  are  a  poor 
and  afflicted  people,  whose  trust  is  only  in  his  name  and  arm  of  salva- 
tion, and  not  in  the  arm  of  flesh.  For  that  which  trusteth  in  man, 
and  maketh  flesh  his  arm,  is  accursed,  as  it  is  written. 

And  this  we  do  faithfully  and  impartially,  in  singleness  of  heart,  de- 
clare unto  the  whole  world,  that  God,  by  his  son  in  us,  which  is  his 
power,  hath  taken  away  the  nature  and  ground  of  wars,  strife,  and 
violence,  and  subdued  it,  which  stood  in  times  past  between  him  and 
us,  which  hindered  the  good  things,  and  hid  his  face  from  us,  even  peace, 
joy,  and  comfort  to  our  immortal  souls;  and  hath  created  in  us  a  new 
heart,  and  renewed  a  right  spirit,  in  which  we  are  justified  in  his  sight 
and  presence,  and  in  which  we  bear  good  will  to  all  people,  and  seek 
the  peace  and  well-being  of  the  bodies  and  souls  of  all  people  upon 
earth,  Jew  and  Gentile,  bond  and  free,  barbarians,  Turks,  Indians, 
Greeks,  Romans,  English,  or  any  other;  God  hath  made  us  all  of  one 
blood  to  dwell  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.    Mark,  we  are  all  of  one 

•  Isa.  it.  4. 


121 


blood,  all  the  workmanship  of  one  Creator,  who  hath  appointed  them 
times  and  seasons,  that  they  should  all  seek  him,  though  he  be  not  far 
from  every  one  of  us,*  as  it  is  written.  And  saith  the  prophet,  "He 
that  formed  the  mountains,  arid  created  the  hills,  showeth  unto  man 
his  thoughts."f  And  they  that  seek  God^seek  him  that  searcheth  the 
heart  and  trieth  the  reins,  who  rcbuketh  the  people  and  strong  nations; 
that  their  swords  may  be  beaten  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears 
into  pruning  hooks.  Mark,  he  rebukes  the  strong  nations  that  are  in 
the  strife,  enmity,  and  wars,  which  are  of  the  devil,  the  author  of  strife, 
the  murderer  and  liar  from  the  beginning,  the  destroyer  of  souls. 

From  whence  came  wars  and  fightings?  Let  God's  witness  answer. 
Came  they  not  from  the  enmity,  lusts,  pride,  and  ambition,  which  war 
against  the  immortal  soul?  And  is  not  he  his  own  soul's  enemy,  that 
lives  in  the  spirit  of  enmity  against  God,  and  them  of  his  flesh  and  blood? 
And  is  he  not  in  the  disobedience  to  Christ  Jesus,  who  saith,  "Love  your 
enemies;  do  good  to  them  that  despitefully  use  you  and  persecute  you?" 
And  doth  not  God's  wrath  abide  upon  the  disobedient  and  rebellious, 
who  obey  not  his  commandments?  Let  all  people  upon  earth  consider 
these  things,  who  profess  Christianity,  and  see  if  you  obey  and  follow 
him  whom  you  profess  in  words,  who  is  not  come  to  destroy  men's  lives, 
but  the  devil  and  hi?  works,  the  author  and  ground  of  strife,  wars,  and 
confusion,  and  to  guide  the  feet  of  all  people  in  the  way  of  peace. 

So,  this  is  our  principle,  not  as  an  opinion  or  judgment  which  may 
fail  us,  or  in  which  may  be  mistakes  or  doubts;  but  it  is  the  infallible 
ground  and  unchangeable  foundation  of  our  religion;  that  is  to  say, 
Christ  Jesus,  the  Lord,  that  spirit,  divine  nature,  or  way  of  life  which 
God  hath  raised  and  renewed  in  us,  in  which  we  walk,  and  in  whom 
we  delight  to  dwell,  and  cannot  but  worship,  and  yield  obedience  unto; 
even  him  which  destroys  all  enmity,  and  reconciles  to  himself,  and  in 
himself,  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth;  who  by  his  power  bringeth 
down  the  high  looks,  lays  low  the  haughtiness  of  men,  (in  which  is  the 
ground  of  strife  and  wars,)  and  exalts  truth  and  righteousness  in  the 
earth,  even  his  kingdom  over  all,  which  is  an  everlasting  kindgom  of 
peace,  into  which  no  unclean  thing,  dogs,  sorcerers,  unbelievers,  or 
hypocrites  can  enter,  but  only  them  whose  minds  are  redeemed  from 
the  earth  and  the  spirit  of  enmity  and  wickedness,  whose  robes  are 
washed  white  in  the  blood  of  the  lamb. 

So  that  if  any  be  yet  doubtful  concerning  us,  or  our  principle,  in 
this  particular,  whether  we  have  any  secret  intents,  or  private  reser- 
vations, that  if  we  had  opportunity  we  would  fight,  or  raise  outward 
force  of  the  arm  of  flesh  for  our  defence  or  preservation,  and  not  any 


*  Acts  xvii.  26.  27.       f  Amosiv.  13. 
16 


122 


longer  suffer  such  grievous  oppressions  and  cruel  provocations,  as  these 
many  years  past  we  have  undergone  with  patience,  &c. 

This  we  do  declare,  and  that  in  and  by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  that 
we  are  in  our  measures  redeemed  by  the  precious  blood  of  his  son  Jesus 
Christ,  (the  lamb  of  God  that  takes  away  the  sin,  and  reconciles  unto 
him  and  to  all  men,)  from  that  nature  and  spirit  of  enmity  from  whence 
the  wars  and  fightings  come.  And  we  are  taught,  led,  and  guided  by, 
and  are  possessors  of,  a  measure  of  the  same  spirit  of  grace  and  truth 
that  was  in  that  person,  Christ,  our  elder  brother,  that  suffered  patiently 
the  contradictions  and  false  accusations  of  sinners,  as  a  lamb,  without 
the  gates  of  Jerusalem,  of  whose  resurrection  and  life  we  are  eye  wit- 
nesses, even  of  his  majesty  and  glory,  and  the  coming  of  his  kingdom 
with  power,  full  of  grace  and  truth.  So  that  the  tree  being  now  made 
good,  the  fruit  is  the  same  also;  and  "a  good  tree  cannot  bring  forth 
evil  fruit,"  to  wit,  wickedness,  enmity,  mischief,  or  violence  against  any 
of  the  children  of  men  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.  So  we  have  not 
only  the  name  or  outward  profession  of  Christ,  in  words,  as  it  is  in  the 
world,  but  we  are  made  partakers  of  a  measure  of  the  same  divine  nature, 
and  we  are  now,  (being  regenerated,  raised,  and  renewed  into  his  own 
image  of  truth  and  love,  righteousness  and  peace,)  his  offspring,  and  he 
is  our  God  and  Father,  who  rebukes  the  strong  nations,  and  makes  wars 
to  cease  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Glory  and  honour  be  to  him  in  the 
highest,  over  all  forever. 

And  now  as  concerning  the  objection  which  sometimes  has  been 
asked  as  a  question,  some  thinking  thereby  to  ensnare  us,  (viz.)  "whether 
or  no  we  would  fight  if  the  spirit  should  move  us,"  &c. 

To  which  we  answer  in  the  fear  of  God,  in  the  truth  and  simplicity 
of  our  hearts,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  that  we  do  really  and  confidently  believe, 
that  the  Lord  our  God,  who  is  that  good  spirit  that  guides  us  in  all  truth, 
will  never  move  us  to  do  that  or  those  things  again  for  which  he  hath 
rebuked  us,  and  smitten  us  by  his  righteous  judgments,  and  for  which  he 
will  smite  and  rebuke  the  strong  nations;  and  not  only  so,  but  hath  re- 
deemed us  from  the  very  root,  nature,  spirit,  and  ground  of  the  enmity 
and  curse  from  whence  the  wars  and  the  fightings  come.  So  that  to  us  it 
seemeth  as  impossible  for  us  to  be  found  in  such  things— plottings,  fight- 
ings, and  violence — as  for  a  good  tree  to  bring  forth  evil  fruit,  or  for  one 
fountain  to  yield  salt  water  and  fresh.  For  we  have  felt  God's  rebukes 
because  of  that  strong  nature  that  dwelt  in  us,  from  whence  envy,  pride, 
wrath,  malice,  and  heart-burnings  one  against  another  sprang,  and  all 
manner  of  evil  thoughts,  which  defile  men, proceeded;  the  which  rebukes, 
reproofs,  and  just  judgments  of  God,  have  melted  and  broken  our  hearts, 
and  taken  out  the  stone,  the  hardness,  and  made  them  soft  and  tender 
towards  God  and  towards  all  people.    And  that  love  is  now  felt,  shed 


123 


abroad  in  our  hearts,  which  thinks  no  evil,  much  less  can  we  act  evil  or 

mischief  against  any. 

So  that  our  kingdom  and  glory,  delight,  joy,  and  peace,  are  not  of  this 
world,  but  we  are  as  strangers  in  it,  as  all  our  fathers  were;  for  if  it 
had  been  so,  we  would  long  ere  this  have  plotted  and  contrived  to  de- 
fend and  preserve  ourselves  from  these  many,  great,  and  cruel  sufferings, 
which  we,  these  many  years,  with  patience  have  borne  and  endured,  and 
shall  yet  bear  and  endure  all  things,  in  the  measure  of  the  love  and 
charity  which  the  holy  God  of  all  power  hath  endued  us  with,  and  made 
us  partakers  of;  committing  our  cause  and  all  things  concerning  us  to 
him  that  judgeth  righteously;  who  will  plead  for  his  seed  with  all  flesh, 
in  his  own  due  time  and  season,  even  in  the  hearts  and  consciences  of 
all  his  enemies  that  wrong  and  abuse  his  children.  And  what  is  done 
to  us,  is  done  to  him;  for  we  are  his,  and  he  careth  for  us. 

And  now,  if  any  subtlety  of  the  serpent  should  arise  in  any,  and  boast 
itself  over  us,  because  we  have  declared  the  nakedness  of  our  hearts,  in 
simplicity  and  truth  in  God's  sight,  and  in  the  sight  of  all  people,  in  this 
particular,  and  say,  now  they  have  declared  that  their  principle  is  not, 
or  leads  not,  to  fight  or  to  destroy  men's  lives,  or  to  resist  or  strive  with 
flesh  and  blood  with  carnal  weapons,  &c.  but  to  be  patient  in  whatso- 
ever is  laid  upon  them,  without  plotting  mischief  or  doing  violence 
against  any,  though  it  be  done  to  them;  therefore  we  now  may  use 
them  as  wre  list,  without  fear  of  opposition  or  violence  again  from  them; 
for  they  are  engaged  by  their  everlasting  principle,  not  to  do  violence, 
or  plot  mischief,  or  shed  any  man's  blood;  but  to  endure  all  in  patience, 
whatsoever  is  said  or  done  against  them,  &c. 

To  which  we  reply,  and  that  from  the  spirit  of  the  eternal  all-power- 
ful God  of  truth:  wo  be  to  that  man,  people,  or  nation,  that  shall  seek 
advantage  against  us  hereby,  or  take  occasion  to  harm  us'because  of 
our  harmless  principle,  which  is  of  God,  and  for  his  sake,  and  of  our  good 
will  to  all  people.  No  prosperity  from  God  shall  be  to  that  people,  man, 
or  nation  in  that  state;  and  it  were  better  for  that  man  or  people,  that 
they  had  never  been  born,  or  that  a  mill  stone  were  hanged  about  their 
necks,  and  cast  into  the  depth  of  the  sea,  that  should  thus  contrive  and 
act  against  us,  to  offend  his  little  ones:  the  Lord  hath  said  it  But  they 
shall  prosper  that  favour  this  Sion's  cawse,  which  God  hath  redeemed 
through  judgment.  For  the  eternnf  God  hath  sworn  by  himself,  and 
will  perform  it,  that  this  people  only  shall  prosper,  of  all  the  families  of 
the  earth,  who  fear  his  name  and  tremble  at  his  word;  and  he  will  gather 
unto  them  (in  one)  thousands  of  thousands  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 
earth;  and  they  that  bless  them,  shall  be  blessed;  and  they  that  curse 
them,  shall  be  cursed.  For  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us,  and  the  God  of 
Jacob  is  our  refuge,  which  breaketh  the  bow,  and  snappeth  the  spear 


124 


asunder,  and  burnetii  the  chariots  in  the  fire;  that  maketh  desolation 
and  will  make  desolations  in  the  earth  for  his  elect's  sake.  Therefore, 
be  still  all  ye  sons  of  men,  and  know  that  he  is  God;  for  he  will  be  ex- 
alted in  the  earth  and  over  all  flesh,  who  maketh  the  wars  to  cease 
unto  the  ends  of  the  world.  This  is  our  God,  whom  we  serve  and  wor- 
ship in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth;  before  whom  all  things  are  open, 
naked,  and  bare;  who  searcheth  the  heart,  and  trieth  the  reins;  from 
whose  sight,  knowledge,  presence,  and  righteous  judgments,  the  ungodly 
cannot  hide,  but  shall  be  fully  rewarded  for  all  their  doings,  in  that 
day,  in  which  the  eye-lids  of  the  morning  light  will  be  unto  them  as  the 
shadow  of  death. 

For  our  unchangeable  principle  is  the  royal  law,  which  God  hath 
written  in  the  heart,  and  is  an  everlasting  light,  (the  truth,)  "which 
lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world;"  which  reproveth  for 
sin  and  transgression,  and  the  ground  of  it,  and  all  that  live  in  it,  in  their 
own  consciences;  which  lets  them  see  their  thoughts,  words,  and  actions, 
whether  they  are  good  or  evil,  setting  before  all  people  life  and  death, 
and  the  ways  of  it.  And  it  is  their  condemnation  that  despise  the  re- 
proofs, and  are  disobedient  unto  it;  but  to  them  that  take  heed  unto  it, 
love  and  obey  it,  it  leads  them  in  the  ways  of  righteousness,  truth,  and 
uprightness,  through  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgments,  to  the  foun- 
tain of  life  and  love,  in  which  there  is  no  enmity,  but  everlasting  salva- 
tion and  peace;  where  the  holy  mountain  of  the  Lord  is  felt,  known,  and 
witnessed,  in  which  there  is  no  hurting  nor  destroying;  into  which  God 
Almighty  is  gathering  his  seed,  out  of  every  nation,  kindred,  people,  and 
language  upon  the  earth,  that  all  his  people  may  sit  and  live  under  their 
own  vine,  where  none  can  make  them  afraid.  This  is  the  "highway  of 
holiness,  which  God  hath  prepared  before  the  face  of  all  people,  in  which 
all  that  are  saved  must  walk,  (as  it  is  written,)  in  the  light  of  the  Lord:"* 
"And  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth  God  and  worketh  righteousness^ 
is  accepted  of  him."  But  to  the  wicked,  that  despise  his  counsel,  God 
saith,  "  What  hast  thou  to  do,  to  take  my  words  into  thy  mouth,  seeing 
thou  hatest  to  be  reformed?" 

And  now,  if  any  that  have  been  at  our  meetings,  or  have  come  at 
any  time,  as  many  do,  to  see  our  manner,  or  that  may  be  by  some  called 
a  Quaker,  should  be,  (which  we  have  never  yet  known  among  us,)  found 
in  any  plotting  against  any  man  01  people  whatsoever,  to  contrive  mis- 
chief, danger,  or  hurt,  either  to  body,  soul,  or  estate,  any  way,  under  any 
pretence  whatsoever,  we  do  utterly,  in  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord  and  saviour,  deny  that  part  or  spirit  in  all  men  upon  the  earth,  as 
that  which  our  principle,  (the  everlasting  foundation  of  God,)  and  our 


•  Jsaiah  ii.  5. 


125 


spirit,  have  no  fellowship  or  unity  with ;  but  is  judged  of  God,  and  of  us  hii 

people,  to  be  of  the  seed  of  enmity,  unreconciled  to  God  and  man,  or  at 
best  a  blind  zeal,  and  not  according  to  the  true  knowledge  of  the  living 
God,  or  of  their  own  spirits.* 

So  we,  being  clear  in  the  sight  of  God  concerning  these  things,  (and 
many  other  false  accusations,  and  evil  surmisings,  reproaches,  and  as- 
persions,) do  freely  commit  our  cause,  and  all  that  we  are  and  have, 
body,  soul,  and  spirit,  into  the  hands  of  our  God,  to  whom  alone  vengeance 
belongs,  who  will  repay  it  to  all  his  adversaries,  and  will  not  at  all  acquit 
the  wicked,  nor  condemn  the  innocent,  but  will  reward  every  man  ac- 
cording to  his  words  and  works ;  in  whose  will  and  power  we  rest  and 
remain  in  patience,  which  is  our  sanctification,  wherein  we  are  satis- 
fied, having  that  joy  and  peace  in  the  land  of  the  living,  where  none 
can  make  us  afraid;  hallelujah,  Amen. 

William  Bayly. 

Postscript. — Before  this  general  declaration  of  our  principle  con- 
cerning these  things,  came  forth  into  public  view,  there  hath  been 
several  times,  and  some  months  ago,  mention  made  by  particular  per- 
sons to  the  same  effect,  which  was  seen  meet  in  the  light  of  our  God, 
to  prevent  the  joining  of  the  minds  of  any  that  are  weak  to  the  temp- 
tations of  the  enemy  of  man's  peace,  (which  goes  about  seeking  whom 
he  may  devour,)  and  to  satisfy  such  as  are  doubtful  in  this  particular; 
for  our  vine  hath  tender  grapes,  that  though  the  wild  boars  of  the 
forest  cannot  so  much  hurt  them,  yet  the  subtle  foxes  of  the  desert  may, 
if  not  prevented  by  the  wisdom  of  God,  spoil  their  resting  place,  which 
all  the  faithful  have  in  God,  and  in  the  spirit  of  the  lamb,  in  whom  is 
found  no  guile,  which  must  get  the  victory,  Amen. 

Given  forth  from  the  royal  seed  of  God,  in  the  behalf  of  the  num- 
berless number,  or  the  whole  body  of  the  elect,  wheresoever  gathered 
or  scattered  upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  called  Quakers. 

By  William  Bayly. 

London. 


*■  Luke  \x.  55,  56. 


Jacob  is  become,  a  Flame,  and  the  House  of  Esau  Stubble:  or, 
the  battle  betwixt  Michael  and  the  Br  agon;  in  which  the  seed  of 
the  woman  is  bruising  the  serpenfs  head.  Jind  Cain,  the  first 
birth,  {the  persecutor,}  is  found  the  vagabond;  and  Abel  and 
Abraham,  [that  wandered?)  the  friends  of  God.  Being  a  true  dis- 
covery of  the  two  seeds  or  births,  between  which  the  enmity  is  put; 
the  time  and  day  being  come,  in  which  the  elder  must  serve  the 
younger.  With  a  few  words  to  the  priests,  bishops,  episcopal- 
men,  and  professors  of  this  last  age:  and  a  short  warning  to  the 
rulers  and  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 

"  Do  men  gather  grapes  of  thorns,  or  figs  of  thistles?" 


In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  the  sea, 
and  all  living  creatures;  and  the  end  of  their  creation  was  to  serve  and 
manifest  the  glory  and  wisdom,  power  and  goodness  of  God,  their  crea- 
tor; and  for  no  other  end  were  they  created  in  the  beginning;  and  that 
all  his  works  of  creation  should  be  in  subjection  unto  him,  being  ruled 
and  governed  by  his  pure,  righteous  power,  counsel,  and  wisdom. 

And  to  the  end,  that  his  wonders,  and  power,  and  goodness,  and 
wisdom,  might  be  the  more  manifest,  he  endued  man  with  a  proportion  of 
the  same  that  he  himself  is,  even  pure  wisdom,  love,  holiness,  truth, 
justice,  and  goodness,  or  whatsoever  might  be  named  of  the  properties 
and  qualities  of  the  Creator.  Mark,  this  was  the  end  of  God's  creation, 
especially  of  mankind,  to  set  forth  his  own  glorious  virtues,  and  holy, 
righteous  power,  that  so  his  workmanship  might  be  a  continual  praise 
unto  him,  living  in  subjection  to  that  pure  power  by  which  they  were 
created.    This  was  God's  end,  even  to  glorify  himself  in  these  things. 

Therefore  said  his  dear  son,  who  came  to  restore  man,  and  the 
whole  creation  into  its  first  state,  "  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that 
you  manifest  or  bring  forth  good  fruits."  Mark,  this  glorifies  God,  and 
his  end  of  creation  by  this  is  answered,  even  the  bringing  forth  of  those 
virtues  in  power  and  life  again.  But  whilst  man  is  in  the  transgression, 
separation,  and  alienation  from  God,  he  answers  not  the  end  of  his  crea- 
tion, but  is  out  of  his  right  and  proper  habitation,  fallen  short  of  his 
glory;  neither  can  he  manifest  God's  wonders  and  power,  wisdom,  and 
truth,  and  goodness  in  that  state;  but  doth  manifest  and  bring  forth 
the  power  and  lying  wonders,  works,  and  properties  of  the  wicked  one, 
which  is  called  the  old  serpent,  the  devil,  and  satan,  whose  workings 
are  contrary  to  God,  and  the  welfare  of  his  creation.  Therefore  is  he 
called  the  adversary,  and  was  known  so  to  be  by  the  true  seed  in  all 


t 

ages,  who  came  again  to  be  restored  into  that  state  in  which  they 
enjoyed  the  power,  and  virtues,  and  wisdom  of  God;  and  so,  in  the  end 
of  their  creation,  even  bearing  good  fruits,  glorifying  God  in  body,  soul, 
and  spirit. 

Now  consider,  man  in  the  beginning  was  made  upright,  and  planted 
a  noble  vine;  and  in  that  state  was  blessed  of  God  his  creator,  in  whose 
power  and  virtues  he  should  have  continued,  and  in  the  wisdom, 
authority,  and  dominion  thereof  to  have  ruled  over  all  the  creation, 
yet  as  a  subject  to  that  power  by  which  he  was  made  and  created,  and 
not  aspire  above  it.  Mark  that,  for  it  was  so;  and  this  was  the  first  appear- 
ance of  the  adversary,  even  to  draw  out  the  simple  mind  to  be  more  wise, 
knowing  and  seeking  something  to  himself,  with  a  promise — mark  that — 
"Ye  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing;"'  to  which  hearkening  and  obeying,  the 
upright  and  simple  mind  is  deceived  and  beguiled  of  that  wisdom,  power, 
glory,  and  blessedness,  which  endures  for  ever,  and  so  feeds  on  that  which 
dies  of  itself,  against  the  command  of  God.  For  knowledge  doth  vanish 
away ;  but  the  life,  power,  and  blessings  of  God  endure  for  ever,  and  will 
never  die,  though  heaven  and  earth  may  pass  away. 

Therefore,  consider,  O  mankind,  in  what  state  thou  wast  at  first 
created,  and  by  what  spirit  and  power  thou -wast  then  upheld  and  guided, 
-  and  to  what  state  or  seed  the  everlasting  blessings  of  God  the  creator, 
are  due  and  of  right  unto:  for  now  are  the  springs  and  fountains  of  the 
great  deep  broke  open  unto  the  children  of  men,  and  the  great  day  of 
God  and  the  lamb  is  manifest  and  come,  in  which  all  things,  works,  and 
fruits  shall  be  proved  and  tried,  of  what  seed,  root,  or  ground  soever ; 
and  every  seed  shall  have  his  own  body.  "  He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let 
him  hear/'  And  now  shall  the  seed  and  body  of  the  serpent  call  to  the 
mountains  and  rocks  to  fall  on  them,  to  hide  them  from  the  wrath  of 
the  lamb,  the  woman's  seed,  and  of  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne;  to 
whom  be  blessings  and  goodness,  all  glory  and  honour,  amen  for  ever. 

Now,  this  was  the  serpent's  seed,  whose  head  is  and  must  be  bruised, 
that  at  its  beginning  sprang  up  in  the  mind,  with  a  deceivable  promise 
of  being  wise  and  knowing  of  himself,  lifting  up  above,  and  without  re- 
spect or  subjection  to,  his  creator.  So,  from  this  root  grew  pride,  self- 
ishness, earthly  wisdom,  and  disobedience  to  every  good  motion  of  that 
holy,  righteous  power,  by  which  he  was  created.  And  here  is  that 
proverb  true,  "  After  pride  comes  a  fall :"  for  it  is  not  of  God ;'  but  abo- 
mination to  him :  and  the  seed  of  evil  doers  shall  never  be  renowned, 
but  must  be  bruised  by  the  dread  and  power  of  the  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  be  chained  down  as  a  slave  of  abominations  for  ever.  And 
the  day  is  come,  in  which  the  Almighty  hath  laid  hold  on  this  dragon, 
and  will  seal  him  down  into  the  pit  of  perdition,  no  more  to  arise  and 
deceive  the  nations  of  the  earth;  and  the  axe  of  his  displeasure  against 


128 


unrighteousness,  is  laid  at  the  root  of  the  great  tree  of  wickedness,  and 
down  must  it  come,  as  a  mill  stone  that  is  cast  into  the  depth  of  the  sea, 
as  you  have  heard  of  Babylon:  for  this  is  the  mother,  or  original,  of  all 
harlots  and  abominations  of  the  earth ;  and  they  that  live  in  wickedness, 
and  take  pleasure  in  ungodliness,  are  the  children  of  this  womb  of  con- 
fusion, where  all  is  out  of  the  true  order  and  subjection  of  the  holy,  pure 
God  of  truth;  yet  are  wise  to  do  evil,  but  to  do  good  have  no  knowledge, 
being  lifted  up  out  of  the  fear  of  God  that  made  them.  Yet  there  is  a 
government,  and  kingdom,  and  fruits,  and  properties  of  this  seed  of 
wickedness,  in  the  time  of  its  reign  and  predominancy,  as  there  is  of  the 
seed  of  God  in  its  reign  and  government ;  but  contrary  in  nature,  fruits,, 
and  effects.  And  this  wicked,  deceivable  one,  hath  got  a  church,  reli- 
gions, worships,  and  orders,  (as  they  call  them,)  and  [these]  are  in  the  imita- 
tion of  the  true  seed's  things,  like  Cain,  but  from  the  root  of  confusion  and 
enmity,  as  by  their  fruits  and  effects  is  manifest  through  the  creation  of 
God.  This  is  that  elder  which  must  now  serve  the  younger,  having  had 
its  day  (or  rather  night)  and  time  to  manifest  itself  fully  in  the  creation, 
that  so  the  just  God  might  judge  and  destroy  it,  root  and  branch,  with 
a  witness;  and  that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  silent,  but  what 
shall  justify  the  righteous  judge  in  his  judgments,  which  are  equal,  just> 
and  true. 

And  this  time  of  the  growth,  manifestation,  reign,  and  government  of 
this  seed,  (the  man  of  sin,  or  son  of  perdition,  which  hath  been  exalted 
above  all  that  is  called  God,)  and  the  suffering  and  oppressions  of  the 
righteous  seed,  hath  been  in  the  time  of  the  Creator's  forbearance,  long- 
suffering,  and  patience,  (he  that  can  hear,  let  him  hear,)  even  the  long- 
suffering  of  the  Lord  God,  gracious  and  merciful,  whose  name  is,  I  AM, 
and  besides  him  there  is  no  saviour.  He  that  can  receive  it  let  him. 
And  happy  is  the  man  that  hath  him  on  his  side,  that  he  may  not  be 
moved;  for  the  great  God  is  come  to  move,  and  to  remove,  and  shake 
all  foundations,  roots,  seeds,  plants,  and  trees,  that  are  not  of  the  root  of 
Jesse,  the  plant  of  his  own  right  hand's  planting;  and  wickedness  shall 
be  broken  as  a  tree.  Therefore  look  to  it,  you  ungodly  ones,  ye  seed 
of  evil  doers,  for  your  time  is  short ;  you  have  had  your  day,  or  rather 
your  hour  and  power  of  darkness,  in  which  you  have  delighted  to  live 
and  manifest  the  root  and  fruits  of  the  wicked  one,  even  the  serpent's 
seed,  which  hath  been  bruising  the  heel  of  the  woman's  seed,  even 
causing  them  to  suffer  by  reproaches,  cruel  mockings,  and  persecutions, 
as  your  brethren  Ishmael,  Cain,  and  Ilaman,  with  many  more  of  the 
same  seed  and  stock,  have  done  to  the  righteous  seed  in  ages  past;  but 
now,  you  are  the  last  of  that  generation,  even  the  dragon's  tail,  which 
think  to  draw  down  the  stars  of  heaven  by  your  power  of  pride,  rage, 
and  madness;  and  are  casting  out  many  floods  of  venom  against  the 


129 

woman,  and  the  remnant  of  her  seed,  which  keep  the  commandments 
and  testimony  of  Jesus.  But  it  is  in  vain  for  you  to  strive  against  God, 
the  creator  of  heaven  and  earth;  wo  is  your  portion  in  so  doing,  you 
will  be  ground  to  powder  in  the  dreadful  day  at  hand. 

For,  as  I  have  received  of  the  mighty  God,  in  his  eternal  counsel 
do  I  declare  unto  you,  that  you  that  now  are  in  the  spirit  of  pride,  envy, 
malice,  uncleanness,  pleasures  of  this  evil  world,  scoffing  and  deriding 
the  poor  and  harmless,  and  are  in  the  flattering  titles,  and  respecting 
persons,  and  forcing  and  persecuting  about  religion  and  worship,  in  dis- 
dainfulness, fulness,  and  idleness,  hypocrisy,  and  all  manner  of  un- 
righteousness: I  say,  you  that  are  in  this  seed  or  spirit,  which  brings 
forth  these  fruits  and  effects,  whether  you  be  popes,  emperors,  bishops, 
kings,  priests,  princes,  dukes,  carls,  or  councils  of  ungodly  men,  or  any 
other  of  these  flattering  titles  you  bear,  you  are  of  the  same  seed,  stock, 
or  offspring,  as  was  Cain,  Ishmael,  Haman,  Esau,  and  the  rest  of  that 
generation,  mentioned  in  the  scriptures  of  truth,  out  of  whose  loins  pro- 
ceeded many  princes,  as  were  the  princes  of  Ishmael,  and  dukes  of 
Edom,  which  were  of  Esau's  stock,  who  sold  his  birth-right  for  a  mess 
of  pottage.  Hear  this,  ye  ungodly,  and  let  your  ears  tingle;  for  this  is 
your  state,  who  for  the  satisfying  the  lusts  of  the  fleshly  birth,  (which 
are  but  for  a  season.)  that  war  against  your  souls,  have  lost  the  comfort, 
rest,  and  eternal  peace  thereof,  in  the  salvation  of  the  pure,  righteous 
God.  And  instead  of  fearing  his  great  and  dreadful  name,  and  depart- 
ing from  iniquity,  and  submitting  to  the  strivings  and  reproofs  of  his 
light  and  holy  spirit,  which  lets  you  see  the  evil  of  your  ways,  you  are 
like  Goliah  of  Gath,  the  uncircumcised  Philistine,  who  defied  the  armies 
of  the  living  God,  and  are  vaunting  yourselves  with  your  challenges, 
upbraidings,  and  deridings  against  the  true  Israel;  for  whose  sake  he 
break  the  strength  of  nations,  as  he  did  in  the  days  past  when  they 
were  oppressed. 

And  be  it  known  to  you,  who  arc  in  the  seed  and  spirit  before  men- 
tioned, by  what  names  or  flattering  titles  soever  you  are  called,  oppress- 
ing the  innocent,  who  have  no  helper  in  the  earth  but  the  living  God 
alone,  and  are  living  in  the  pleasures  of  sin,  and  ways  of  unrighteous- 
ness; you  are  unto  God,  the  pure,  eternal  Jehovah  of  Israel,  even  as 
Pharaoh,  Sodom,  and  Egypt,  who  are  smitten  with  blindness,  not  seeing 
the  heavy  plagues  and  dreadful  judgments  that  are  swiftly  coming  upon 
you. 

O  ye  sons  of  transgression,  and  children  of  falsehood,  who  love  the 
glory  and  pleasures  of  this  world,  which  passeth  away,  and  the  honour 
below,  and  vanity  of  vanities,  which  vexeth  the  pure  spirit  of  the  righte- 
ous God,  and  opprcsseth  your  own  souls;  your  day  hastens,  in  which 
you  will  be  ai  stubble  in  the  fiery  oven,  even  all  you  heathen  that  are 

17 


130 


at  ease;  for  the  great  and  dreadful  God  of  Israel  is  very  sorely  displeas- 
ed with  you,  and  the  wo  and  vengeance  of  his  fury  burns  against  you, 
even  this  last  generation  of  persecutors !  Though  you  may  plot,  con- 
sult, and  decree  against  his  remnant,  whom  he  hath  redeemed  from  that 
seed,  fruits,  works,  and  ways  which  you  are  in,  even  out  of  Babylon, 
and  are  brought  to  Sion,  where  they  declare  the  vengeance  of  the  al- 
mighty God  against  Babylon,  the  great  whore,  (whored  from  God,  the 
contrary  to  God,)  which  hath  ruled  and  sat  over  nations;  I  say,  though 
you  may  combine  and  contrive  much  in  the  abundance  of  the  wicked 
counsels  of  your  hearts,  and  decree  unrighteous  decrees,  yet  you  shall 
not  prosper  nor  prevail  to  accomplish  your  intents  and  purposes  against 
my  people,  I  the  Lord,  have  spoken  it;  no  more  than  Pharaoh,  Goliah, 
Herod,  or  Haman  did,  who  sought  the  young  child's  life,  to  destroy  it, 
but  was  prevented.  So,  you  may  consider  it — did  ever  any  fight  against 
God,  his  seed  and  people,  and  prosper? 

Objection. — But  you  may  object,  being  of  the  contrary  seed,  and 
say,  "Are  you  the  seed  of  God,  or  his  people,  against  whom  we  have 
made  laws  and  decrees,  traps  and  snares,  even  you  that  are  called 
Quakers  ?  for  we  look  upon  you  as  heretics,  disobedient  and  danger- 
ous persons,  not  submitting  to  governments,  not  honouring  authority, 
nor  respecting  persons,  nor  giving  us  flattering  titles,  but  are  of  another 
generation  than  we  are  of;  therefore  do  we  consult  and  contrive  how 
to  destroy  you  from  being  a  people,  by  imprisoning,  spoiling  of  goods, 
and  banishment,  and  death  also,  if  we  could  bring  it  about,  and  that 
even  the  whole  nation  would  not  rise  against  it;  for  all  sober  people, 
we  perceive,  are  affected  with  you,  and  your  ways  and  dealings 
amongst  them,  by  which  we  are  afraid  to  proceed  so  far,  as  otherwise 
is  in  our  hearts  to  do." 

•Answer. — To  which  I  shall  answer  in  the  name  of  the  Lord;  that 
we,  who  by  the  sinful  and  adulterous  generation  are  scornfully  called 
Quakers,  are  the  people,  servants,  and  children  of  the  most  high  God; 
which  might  be  demonstrated  or  proved  parallel  to  his  chosen  seed  and 
people  in  all  ages,  by  the  spirit,  ways,  worship,  and  practices,  life,  and 
conversation  of  his  servants  and  children,  from  the  beginning  to  this 
day. 

First,  consider,  there  are  but  two  seeds  in  the  whole  creation,  be- 
tween which  enmity  is  put,  and  are  absolutely  contrary  in  nature,  fruits, 
and  effects ;  that  is,  the  seed  of  the  serpent,  and  the  seed  of  the  woman, 
which  is  Christ  in  his  people,  the  same  to-day,  yesterday,  and  forever, 
the  Immanuel,  who  is  now  coming  in  ten  thousand  of  thousands  of  his 
saints,  called  Quakers,  who  tremble  at  his  word;  for  they  are  the  peo- 
ple that  shall  spring  up  and  spread  from  the  root  of  Jesse  over  the  face 
of  the  whole  earth,  through  the  virtue  and  power  of  this  seed,  Christ 


131 


Jesus;  whose  fruits  and  effects  are  love,  meekness,  patience,  temperance, 
mercifulness,  justness,  soberness,  righteousness,  holiness,  peace,  and  joy 
in  the  eternal  power  and  spirit  of  the  pure  God;  doing  to  all  men  as 
they  would  they  should  do  to  them.  These,  and  such  like,  are  the  fruits 
of  the  tree  of  this  seed  of  the  woman,  Christ,  which  must  bruise  the 
head  of  the  serpent,  whose  seed  brings  forth  contrary  fruits  and  effects 
in  every  particular,  though  in  some  things  it  might  imitate  the  righteous 
seed,  (as  Cain  did,)  in  matter  of  sacrifice,  or  worship,  or  the  like,  but 
still  it  is  from  another  root  and  ground,  which  is  accursed ;  for,  said  God, 
"  Cursed  is  the  ground  for  thy  sake."  Mark  that — the  ground ;  not  the 
simple  earth,  which  is  good ;  but  the  ground  of  envy,  murder,  and  wick- 
edness, that  hath  opened  his  mouth  (in  him,)  to  swallow  up  his  brother's 
blood,  from  which  it  cries  against  him,  and  his  generation  of  murderers 
about  sacrifice  and  worship  at  this  day,  and  forever.  So,  this  is  the 
other  seed,  whose  fruits  and  effects  are  manifest,  as  saith  the  scriptures, 
(even  the  seed  of  the  fleshly  birth,  which  persecutes  the  birth,  born  of 
the  spirit  of  the  living  God,)  which  are  these,  envy,  pride,  wrath,  ma- 
lice, strife,  anger,  high-mindedness,  frowardness,  bitterness,  uncleanness, 
lasciviousness,  covetousness,  drunkenness,  wantonness,  revellings,  rioting, 
emulations,  witchcraft,  hatred,  heresies,  idolatry,  injustice,  partiality, 
and  hypocrisy;  these,  and  such  like,  are  the  fruits  and  effects  of  the 
serpent's  seed,  which  hath  spread,  as  a  great  tree  of  wickedness  over 
the  whole  earth,  and  is  that  cursed  one  that  hath  so  long  cumbered  the 
ground. 

And  these  are  also  the  children  of  Babylon,  the  great  whore,  which 
hath  reigned  over  the  nations  and  kings  of  the  earth.  Happy  is  the  man 
that  dasheth  these  against  the  stone,  Christ  Jesus,  the  light,  that  disco- 
vers them.  And  these  are  those  wares,  and  costliness,  and  precious 
things  of  Babylon,  even  the  fruits  and  pleasures  of  sin,  the  glory,  riches, 
worships,  and  beloved  practices  of  iniquity,  which  proceed  from  this 
seed  of  falsehood,  satisfying  a  ground  that  is  accursed  forever.  There- 
fore, saith  God,  "  Come  out  of  Babylon,  my  people,  partake  not  of  her 
sins,  or  fruits,  that  ye  be  not  partakers  of  her  plagues." 

And  now  is  the  day  come,  in  which  Babylon  shall  receive  at  the  hand 
of  the  Almighty  the  cup  of  the  wine  of  his  fury  and  indignation  with- 
out mixture,  and  shall  drink  the  dregs  thereof,  and  wring  them  out ;  and 
all  her  merchants,  that  have  lived  deliriously,  and  delighted  in  her 
wares  and  costliness,  and  traded  with  her,  shall  howl,  wail,  and  lament, 
beholding  the  smoke  of  her  torments,  which  ascends  up  forever  and 
ever. 

Hear  this,  you  superstitious  and  idolatrous  priests,  bishops,  and  hire- 
lings !  for  the  foolish  woman,  whose  feet  are  not  in  her  house,  but  are 
without, loud, stubborn, and  clamorous,  is  now  pulling  down  her  own  house 


132 


with  her  hands,  (mark  that,)  by  her  own  ungodly  actions,  wicked  words 

and  practices,  slanders,  persecutions,  and  grievous  abominations;  even 
pulling  or  drawing  down  the  just  judgments,  plagues,  and  eternal  ven- 
geance of  the  righteous  God  upon  her  own  head.  He  that  reads,  let  him 
understand,  for  the  time  is  a.t  hand.  Therefore,  consider,  all  ye  that 
live  in  enmity  against  the  harmless  seed  and  people  this  day — are  not 
you  in  pride,  which  is  abomination  to  God;  and  ambition  and  covetous- 
ness,  which  is  idolatry;  and  love  pleasures  and  vanities,  lusts  of  unclean- 
ness,  deceit,  and  flattery,  more  than  the  pure,  living  God  of  truth  and 
righteousness?  And  are  not  you  in  the  stout-hcartedness,  disdainfulness, 
feignedness,  hypocrisy,  dissimulation,  and  all  manner  of  wickedness? 
And  are  not  you  become  the  hold  of  every  foul  spirit,  and  cage  of  un- 
clean and  hateful  birds?  Read  your  state,  and  do  not  strive  against  that 
which  lets  you  see  it,  nor  say  no,  by  any  pretence  or  covering;  for  the 
dreadful  God  hath  found  you  out,  and  his  judgments  and  vengeance  are 
your  portion ;  and  the  great  day  of  the  lamb  is  come,  in  which  you  are 
not  able  to  stand.  This  is  the  ground  of  your  rage,  seeing  you  have 
but  a  short  time,  as  it  is  written,  "The  wicked  cannot  stand  in  the  judg- 
ment, nor  sinners  in  the  congregation  of  the  righteous." 

Therefore,  hearken  all  ye  who  are  in  the  Babylonish  garments,  the 
night  attire  of  the  great  whore,  the  almighty,  strong,  and  powerful 
God  of  heaven  and  earth,  is  stripping  and  making  her  bare  and  naked, 
as  in  the  day  in  which  she  was  born,  to  the  view  of  all  nations,  men  and 
angels;  for  the  hour  of  her  judgments  is  come.  Her  sins  have  reached 
to  heaven,  and  are  come  into  remembrance  before  God;  even  her  envy 
and  rage,  scorning  and  disdaining,  persecuting  and  cruelty,  lusts,  and 
pleasures,  and  vanities,  and  all  manner  of  injustice,  iniquity,  and  un- 
godliness, flattering  and  deceitful  titles,  ambition,  dissimulation,  hypo- 
crisy, and  idolatry,  and  the  like  abominations.  This  is  also  the  tongue 
of  the  Egyptian  sea,  which  God  Almighty  of  heaven  will  shortly  dry 
up,  that  people  may  go  over  dry  shod.  He  that  hath  an  ear  let  him 
hear  and  understand.  The  day  hastens,  yea,  it  cometh  swiftly,  in 
which  righteous,  just,  sober,  and  godly  men  and  people  shall  walk 
with  boldness,  with  comfort  and  courage  in  the  ways  of  holiness,  up- 
rightness and  truth,  in  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  or  else  the  Lord 
God  hath  never  spoken  by  me,  which  I  know  he  hath,  and  will  perform  it. 

Therefore  tremble,  ye  careless  daughters  that  are  at  ease,  walking 
haughtily  with  stretched  forth  necks  and  wanton  eyes;  howl,  howl,  and 
weep  bitterly,  ye  light,  pufFed  up  and  vain-glorious  men  and  women; 
the  day  of  your  calamity  cometh  on  like  an  armed  man,  and  you  shall 
not  escape;  and  upon  all  you  that  cry  out  against  the  children  and 
servants  of  the  most  high  God,  saying,  they  will  not  obey  magistrates, 
nor  reverence  such  as  are  in  authority,  nor  respect  and  honour  supe- 


133 


riors,  nor  be  subject  to  the  king's  laws ;  but  are  proud  and  wilful,  stub- 
born and  disobedient,  and  will  not  worship  as  we  worship,  nor  admire 
men's  persons,  though  they  might  have  advantage  by  it. 

Hear  now  my  answer,  ye  people  whose  portion  is  in  this  life,  who  are 
of  the  household  and  stock  of  Esau,  the  profane  person,  whose  house  is 
now  as  stubble. 

The  God  of  heaven,  by  his  dreadful  and  almighty  power  and  judg- 
ments, hath  broken  in  upon  us,  and  laid  low  the  haughtiness,  and  hewed 
down  the  tree  of  wickedness  and  unrighteousness  in  us,  from  whence 
these  evil  fruits  before  mentioned  proceeded ;  and  hath  redeemed  us 
from  our  vain  conversation,  in  which  we  were,  as  other  Gentiles  walking 
in  the  vanities  of  our  minds,  in  the  lusts  of  ignorance;  and  hath  raised  up 
by  the  same  power,  a  seed  of  his  owto  begetting  in  us,  having  cast  out  the 
heathen  in  us,  that  knew  not  God,  and  prepared  room  for  his  own  life, 
and  power,  and  wisdom,  which  is  foolishness  to  the  world,  to  take  posses- 
sion of  our  hearts  and  consciences  for  ever,  to  which  our  souls  are  subject; 
knowing  him  to  be  the  higher  power,  who  hath  put  down  all  rule  and 
all  authority  in  us,  which  was  contrary  to  him,  who  is  now  become  our 
king  and  our  law-giver,  teacher  and  saviour,  which  no  man  can  remove 
from  us,  into  a  corner.  And  we  are  led  and  guided  by  his  spirit  who  is 
the  wonderful  counsellor,  the  mighty  God,  the  prince  of  peace,  and  are 
not  rebellious,  wilful,  or  stubborn,  neither  to  God  nor  man,  in  what  is 
manifest  to  be  his  will  concerning  us. 

And  as  for  magistrates,  and  such  as  are  in  the  authority  and  power  of 
God,  as  was  Moses,  and  such  men,  fearing  God,  and  hating  covetousness, 
injustice,  and  unrighteousness,  we  dearly  own  and  honour  in  the  Lord, 
even  such  as  are  punishers  of  evil  doers,  and  favourers  and  encouragers 
of  them  that  do  well.  These  are  magistrates  in  God's  behalf,  bearing  the 
sword  of  justice  and  true  judgment,  and  not  in  vain;  being  in  the  power 
and  wisdom  of  God,  a  terror  to  evil  doers,  and  a  praise  to  them  that  do 
well.  These  are  worthy  of  honour ;  these  rule  well ;  these  answer  the  wit- 
ness of  God  in  all  people;  these  judge  righteously,  justly,  and  equally, 
without  partiality,  in  the  fear,  and  dread,  and  dominion  of  God,  having 
respect  to  him,  and  his  honour  only,  in  what  they  do;  not  seeking  their 
own  honour,  which  would  perish,  but  in  meekness,  soberness  and  sound- 
ness of  mind  and  judgment,  without  respect  of  persons,  judging  between 
man  and  man;  being  able  to  discern  the  ground  of  all  causes  and  contro- 
versies in  the  light  and  counsel  of  God,  whose  servants  they  are.  Mark 
that.  These  are  magistrates;  and  not  every  one  that  beareth  that  name, 
any  more  than  all  that  profess  Christ  in  words,  are  christians;  who  can  say, 
Lord,  Lord,  and  we  are  christians,  and  we  love  God,  when  they  hate  the 
light,  his  own  witness  in  them,  and  walk  in  darkness,  being  liars  and  hy- 
pocrites.   For  none  are  christians  really  and  in  God's  sight,  but  they  that 


134 


follow  Christ  in  the  regeneration,  being  born  again  through  the  strength, 
and  power,  and  virtue  of  his  own  life  and  spirit,  being  guided  by  it  out  of 
all  unrighteousness  into  holiness,  righteousness,  and  truth;  for  they  that 
say  they  are  christians,  and  are  not,  are  liars,  and  of  the  synagogue  of 
satan,  whose  will  and  works  they  do;  even  thus  it  is  to  bear  the  name  of 
magistrates,  and  are  not  really  so. 

Now,  magistrates  are  not  [to  be]  a  terror  to  good  works,  but  to  the  evil. 
Mark  that.  But  such  as  have  been,  and  yet  are  so  called  in  England,  New 
and  Old,  have  been  and  yet  are  a  terror  to  good  works,  contrary  to  the  end 
and  will  of  God,  and  his  government  on  earth,  and  the  very  word,  magis- 
trate; so  that  such  are  but  like  them  that  said,  they  were  Jews,  and  were 
not,  but  of  the  synagogue  and  generation  of  him  who  hath  been  a  liar  from 
the  beginning.  For  this  I  testify  in  the  Lord,  without  respect  of  persons, 
that  such  are  not  magistrates,  ordained  by  him,  that  are  out  of  his  fear, 
and  those  good  properties  and  qualities  before  mentioned,  (though  they 
may  be  rich  and  great  men  in  the  earth,  as  Cain,  Esau,  and  Haman  were, 
yet  are  like  the  priests,  that  bear  rule  by  their  means,  and  not  by  the 
power,  wisdom,  and  mercy  of  God,)  who  will  rage,  and  fume,  and  storm, 
like  a  wild  bull  in  a  net,  before  they  have  heard  the  causes  and  controver- 
sies of  such  as  are  brought  before  them,  because  the  spirit  of  pride  and 
ambition  which  is  of  the  devil,  is  not  bowed  unto,  and  will  imprison  peo- 
ple, right  or  wrong,  without  breach  of  any  just  law  of  God  or  man.  These 
are  not  magistrates,  but  evil  doers;  and  magistrates  are  for  the  punishing 
of  evil  doers;  neither  is  that  a  just  law,  but  an  unrighteous  decree,  which 
is  made  to  be  a  terror  to  good  works,  and  an  encouragement  to  evil  doers. 
This  is  turning  judgment  into  gall,  and  righteousness  into  hemlock,  and 
the  sword  backwards.  Consider  these  things;  for  with  them  God  is  not 
pleased,  who  beholds  the  prey  that  is  made  on  them  that  depart  from 
iniquity  in  the  land. 

For  such  do  well,  and  are  not  evil  doers,  who  meet  together  in  the 
fear  of  the  true  God,  to  wait  upon  him  in  the  light  of  his  counsel,  by  it 
to  be  guided  into  all  truth  through  the  knowledge  of  his  will  concerning 
them  and  their  salvation,  that  so  they  may  serve  God  in  his  holy  way  ac- 
ceptably all  the  days  of  their  life,  with  reverence  and  godly  fear:  for 
our  God  is  a  consuming  fire.  And  he  or  she,  that  beareth  witness  in  the 
spirit  of  truth  and  power  of  righteousness,  against  pride,  idolatry,  popery, 
or  superstition,  or  any  other  ungodly  lusts,  deceit  or  hypocrisy,  as,  preach- 
ing for  money,  or  judging  for  rewards,  and  such  like  injustice,  oppression, 
and  cruelty,  or  any  of  the  fruits  of  the  corrupt  tree,  which  God  is  hewing 
down  for  the  fire;  I  say,  that  man  or  woman,  boy  or  girl,  of  the  streets  of  Je- 
rusalem, that  so  doth,  as  afore-mentioned,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  doth 
well;  and  they  that  abuse  them  for  so  doing,  do  evil,  and  God  shall  require 
it  at  their  hands.    For,  he  or  she,  that  standeth  a  witness  in  the  power 


135 


and  wisdom  of  God,  (which  is  the  higher  power,)  against  the  fleshly  lusts, 
which  war  against  the  soul,  is,  in  so  doing,  the  soul's  friend.  He  that  can 
hear  let  him  hear.  For  to  the  higher  power,  which  was  before  the  lusts  and 
wills  of  men,  or  the  powers  of  darkness,  death,  hell,  and  transgression, 
(the  lower,  condemned  power,)  was,  are  we  subject;  and  this  seed,  or 
life,  which  God  hath  raised  in  us,  who  at  this  day  are  called  Quakers, 
cannot  bow  down  to  the  devil,  the  lower  power,  nor  worship  that  spirit 
of  pride,  envy,  ambition,  and  wickedness,  which  God  hath  determined 
to  destroy,  root  and  branch,  and  them  that  live  in  and  worship  it;  for  it 
is  the  image  of  the  old  serpent,  the  devil,  and  destroyer  of  mankind,  to 
which  the  pure  image  or  son  of  the  living  God  could  never  bow,  but 
was  always  a  sufferer  for  a  season,  under  its  enmity  and  cruelty,  as  may 
be  seen  throughout  all  ages  to  this  day.  For  it  is  no  new  thing  to  see  him 
that  is  born  after  the  flesh  oppress  and  persecute  him  that  is  born  after 
the  spirit ;  for  it  began  at  Abel,  even  about  sacrifice,  and  is  the  same 
at  this  day.  For  whatsoever  you  may  say  and  profess  in  words,  (Cain 
could  also  talk  and  contend  in  the  same  nature,)  that  matters  not;  while 
you  are  in  the  spirit  of  pride  and  enmity,  which  is  of  the  devil,  your 
sacrifice  is  not  accepted  of  the  righteous,  holy  God ;  but  is  unto  him  as 
an  odious  smoke  of  brimstone  in  the  nostrils  of  a  man.  And  your  church, 
so  called,  is  not  the  body  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  lamb's  wife,  but  of  the 
great  whore,  which  hath  drunk  the  blood  of  the  saints ;  living  in  plea- 
sures, wantonness,  pride,  scornfulness,  disdain,  flattery,  deceit,  and  vanity, 
with  your  tongues  at  liberty  out  of  God's  fear,  in  wrath  and  envy,  lust 
and  maliciousness,  swearing,  cursing,  and  corrupt  communication,  rioting 
and  sporting,  and  all  manner  of  ungodliness.  These  are  not  the  fruits 
of  God's  spirit,  in  which  he  is  only  worshipped,  nor  graces  of  Christ's 
church,  but  the  whore's  night  garments ;  for  the  christians  were  and  are 
to  abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil,  and  to  wait  upon  God,  through 
his  power  to  be  sanctified  throughout,  in  body,  soul  and  spirit,  hating 
even  the  garment  spotted  with  the  flesh;  against  which  work  the  ser- 
pent and  his  seed  in  all  ages  have  set  themselves,  and  took  counsel 
together,  and  made  laws  and  decrees  even  to  hinder  the  appearance, 
growth,  and  dominion  of  the  righteous  seed,  and  image  of  God,  which 
is  Christ  in  his  people  in  all  generations,  the  seed  of  the  woman,  which 
is  bruising  the  serpent's  head. 

Therefore,  all  ye  rulers,  priests,  bishops,  lip  professors  and  people, 
who  are  gainsayers  of  the  light,  the  truth,  the  way  of  God  in  his  peo- 
ple; and  are  persecutors,  opposers,  proud,  wanton,  disdainful,  wild,  scorn- 
ful, and  rebellious  against  God's  witness,  that  lets  you  see  your  evil 
deeds  and  vain  conversation ;  and  all  you  swearers  and  drunkards,  liars, 
envious,  unbelieving,  whoremongers,  hypocrites,  whores,  sorcerers,  fear- 


136 


ful  and  abominable;  you  are  all  without — without  are  dogs,  the  biters, 
and  every  one  that  loveth  and  maketh  a  lie. 

Hear  this,  you  that  oppose  the  power  of  the  pure,  dreadful  God,  and 
its  mighty  works  amongst  the  children  of  men,  which  he  hath  begun  in 
his  people  called  Quakers,  it  is  too  weighty  for  you;  it  shall  break  you 
to  pieces,  and  confound  you,  it  is  God's  work  you  oppose,  and  not  man's. 
And  if  you  say  in  your  hearts,  you  will  make  us  bow,  before  you  have 
done  with  us:  I  tell  you,  nay;  God  hath  raised  a  seed  in  us  of  his  own 
life  and  image,  (can  ye  not  understand?)  which  can  never  bow  to  un- 
righteousness, idolatry,  hypocrisy,  and  deceit ;  but  stands  in  the  royal 
power,  and  authority  of  the  living  God,  bearing  testimony  against  it; 
and  fear,  not  him  that  .can  but  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  hath  power 
to  do  no  more;  but  it  is  in  the  pure  fear,  dread,  and  terrible  power 
of  the  Almighty  God,  who  hath  raised  it  up,  compassing  it  about  as  a 
wall  of  fire;  and  you  can  never  quench  it;  for  it  is  that  love  which  is 
stronger  than  death,  that  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts.  Blessed  is  the 
man  that  heareth,  believeth,  and  receiveth  it.  Therefore  it  is  impossible 
for  you  to  prevail  against  it,  unless  you  could  prevail  against  God,  or 
were  stronger  than  he;  then  might  you  hinder  his  handy  works  and 
mighty  wonders,  which  he  hath  determined  to  bring  to  pass  in  these 
last  days. 

For  let  me  tell  you,  ye  kings  and  rulers,  priests  and  bishops,  for  to 
you  now  am  I  speaking,  and  that  from  the  eternal  God  of  heaven;  that 
you  are  at  this  day  verily  opposing  the  great  and  weighty  work  of 
God,  which  he  will  accomplish,  and  none  shall  be  able  to  hinder;  and 
verily,  you  shall  as  easily  pluck  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  out  of  the  fir- 
mament, in  which  the  living  God  hath  set  them  by  his  powTer,  and  orders 
them  by  his  wisdom,  as  stop,  hinder  or  frustrate  the  decree  or  purpose 
of  God  concerning  his  people,  and  their  enemies,  in  these  last  days. 

For  the  day  is  come  of  which  his  former  prophets  have  prophesied 
and  declared,  that  in  the  last  days  he  would  pour  out  of  his  spirit  upon 
his  sons  and  daughters,  and  they  should  prophesy.  But  this  is  a  strange 
work  which  you  cannot  understand,  as  it  is  written,  "Many  shall  be  tried, 
purified,  and  made  white;  but  the  wicked  shall  do  wickedly,  and  none 
of  the  wicked  shall  understand;  but  the  wise  shall  understand,"  who  are 
in  that  wisdom  which  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of.  And  in 
the  day  when  the  proud  were  called  happy,  and  them  that  tempted 
God  were  even  delivered,  did  some  fear  the  Lord,  and  met  often  toge- 
ther, and  thought  upon  his  name,  for  whom  a  book  of  remembrance 
was  written  before  the  Lord,  "and  they  shall  be  mine,"  saith  God,  "and  I 
will  spare  them,  as  a  man  spareth  his  son  that  serveth  him;"  though 
men  will  not  spare  them,  who  are  servants  of  the  devil;  and  is  not  this 
the  day?  Yea,  this  is  the  day,  even  the  notable  day,  the  great  and 


137 


dreadful  day,  in  which  the  mighty  God  will  cut  short  his  work  in  righte- 
ousness. And  because  of  this,  nations  shall  be  distressed,  and  in  great  per- 
plexity; the  sea  shall  roar,  and  men's  hearts  shall  fail  them  for  fear,  and 
for  looking  after  those  things  which  are  coming  upon  the  earth;  and  men 
shall  walk  like  blind  men,  because  of  their  rebellion  against  God;  and 
God  shall  send  his  plagues  upon  the  earth  like  showers  of  hail,  even 
sword  and  famine,  and  pestilence,  and  earthquakes,  and  dreadful  thun- 
derings  upon  the  head  of  the  wicked,  and  all  flesh  shall  fail  before  him, 
and  the  mountains  shall  quake  at  his  presence:  for  the  terrible  God 
shall  roar  out  of  Sion  and  utter  his  voice  in  Jerusalem,  and  the  earth 
shall  tremble,  and  pain  shall  take  hold  of  the  ungodly  as  a  woman  in 
travail,  and  they  shall  not  escape. 

Therefore,  seek  not  to  get  ease  and  covering  by  your  unrighteous 
decrees  against  the  saints  of  the  most  high  God,  or  by  afflicting  and 
abusing  them;  for  we,  whom  you  have  thus  dealt  with,  are  his  chosen 
generation,  his  royal  priesthood,  his  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works,  whose  cause  he  will  plead  with  all  flesh,  and  there  is  not  a  man 
upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  that  God  hath  respect  unto,  or  his 
offering,  but  in  this  seed  of  Abraham,  which  is,  Christ  in  us,  which  he 
hath  raised  to  offer  up  living  sacrifices,  acceptable  in  his  sight;  for  the 
sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  abomination  to  him.  And  there  are  but  two 
seeds,  roots,  or  grounds,  as  I  have  said,  from  whence  all  good  and  evil 
springs.  The  one  is  the  seed  of  God's  own  sowing,  which  is  now  arising 
to  spread  over  the  whole  earth,  even  the  plant  of  righteousness,  truth, 
and  equity;  and  the  other  is  the  seed  of  enmity  against  God,  his  truth, 
and  people;  and  this  is  the  seed  of  evil  doers,  which  shall  never  be  re- 
nowned. And  the  son  of  God  is  come,  the  seed  of  renown,  and  hath  given 
us  an  understanding,  that  we  know  him  that  is  true,  and  are  in  him  that 
is  true,  and  we  know  him  that  is  false,  and  out  of  the  truth.  And  we 
know  God  only  is  to  be  worshipped,  and  the  devil  denied;  though  he 
might  rage,  storm,  and  persecute,  or  promise  all  the  glory,  kingdoms, 
and  pleasures  of  this  world,  to  be  bowed  unto  or  worshipped,  yet  the 
royal  seed  cannot  give  glory  to  another ;  therefore  would  the  devil,  like 
his  son  Haman,  have  him  destroyed  out  of  the  world,  in  which  he  him- 
self has  been  worshipped  as  God,  blinding  and  veiling  the  mind  of  man- 
kind from  the  true  knowlege  and  understanding  of  the  noble  seed,  the 
heir,  whose  right  it  is  alone  to  reign,  and  he  must  reign  now,  till  all 
his  enemies  are  trampled  under  his  feet:  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it;  to 
whom  be  all  honour,  worship,  glory,  dominion,  praise,  thanksgiving,  and 
eternal  songs  of  deliverance  and  redemption,  over  all  heaven  and  earth. 
Hallelujah,  Amen. 

18 


1.38 


A  few  words  to  the  Pinests,  Bishops,  Episcopal  men  and  professors 

of  this  last  age. 

All  you  bishops,  prelates,  priests,  episcopal  men,  or  any  others,  that 
are  professing  God,  Christ,  and  Scriptures,  and  are  offering  sacrifice  in 
your  own  wills,  and  time,  and  places,  out  of  the  fear,  and  counsel,  and 
wisdom  of  God. 

This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God:  you  and  your  sacrifices  are  not  ac- 
cepted in  his  sight,  but  are  abomination  unto  him,  even  iniquity  and 
idolatry;  and  all  your  prayers,  singings,  preachings,  fastings,  feastings, 
and  roarings,  enter  not  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  God  of  sabbaths,  but 
are  a  smoke  in  his  nostrils  all  the  day  long;  and  all  your  sacrifices  and 
sacraments,  as  you  call  them,  are  not  better  in  the  sight  of  the  pure, 
living  God  of  heaven,  than  if  you  cut  off  a  dog's  neck,  or  offered  swine's 
blood;  for  it  is  so,  you  offer  swine's  blood,  and  not  the  blood  of  the  lamb 
without  spot,  the  acceptable  seed;  and  the  broth  of  abominable  things, 
which  the  Lord  abhors,  is  in  your  vessels.  If  you  have  ears  to  hear, 
hear.  You  offer  swine's  blood,  the  life  of  the  swine,  the  greedy  de- 
vourer  that  lives  in  your  dwellings,  in  which  the  devil  is  entered,  and 
you  are  running  violently  down  the  steep  place,  and  you  will  perish 
among  the  waters,  if  you  repent  not,  and  turn  speedily.  The  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

Therefore  hear,  hear,  you  that  are  offering  sacrifices  and  prayers 
called  common,  and  are  in  your  will  worships  and  feigned  humility,  never 
commanded  of  God;  and  though  you  make  a  great  noise  with  your  organs, 
and  sacraments,  and  surplices,  and  tippits,  and  girdles,  and  tables,  and 
singings,  and  pipings,  and  ringings,  and  the  like,  it  is  all  but  as  the  hideous 
howling  of  a  dog  at  midnight,  whilst  you  live  in  lusts,  envy,  pride,  covet- 
ousness,  and  unrighteousness,  and  no  more  accepted  of  the  righteous, 
holy,  just  God,  than  Cain's  was  (the  vagabond)  who  slew  his  brother, 
being  in  the  same  nature  and  ground  of  malice  and  wickedness.  And 
God  hath  set  a  mark  upon  you,  as  upon  Cain,  which  shall  never  be 
blotted  out,  unless  you  turn,  and  be  converted  from  that  root,  and  sink 
down  in  your  minds  to  the  righteous  suffering  seed  in  you,  which  never 
had  fellowship  in  these  things  in  which  you  are  thus  exercised;  but  re- 
proves you  in  secret  for  sin,  and  lets  you  see  the  evil  and  vanity  of  your 
ways. 

For  while  you  do  evil,  sin  lieth  at  your  door,  and  your  prayers  and 
sacrifices  do  not  enter  into  the  acceptance  of  the  holy  God.  For  "God 
heareth  not  sinners;  but  if  any  man  be  a  worshipper  of  God,  and  doth 
his  will,  him  he  heareth:"  but  none  worship  God,  but  them  that  worship 
him  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  even  in  that  spirit  which  you  daily  grieve  and 


139 


provoke  with  your  abominations,  and  sacrifices,  and  oblations,  singing, 
and  superstitions,  which  he  is  weary  to  bear,  of  which  he  will  shortly 
ease  himself,  and  of  you  also,  if  you  proceed  in  these  things,  which  never 
came  into  his  mind  to  command  or  require  at  your  hands. 

Therefore,  hear  and  consider,  and  fear  and  tremble  before  the  just 
God  of  power,  who  is  arisen  to  plead  with  you  about  these  things,  and 
will  reprove  you  for  your  words,  worships,  sacrifices,  and  feigned  imita- 
tions, which  are  without  the  true  knowledge,  darkening  the  counsel  of 
God  in  your  own  selves  and  others,  whereby  his  pure  way  of  life  and 
truth  is  not  heeded,  but  evil  spoken  of,  and  his  eternal  counsel  by  you 
is  not  understood,  which  is,  to  stand  still  in  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus,  the 
saviour,  and  not  will,  nor  run,  but  as  led  and  guided  by  it,  which  leads 
out  of  all  unrighteousness,  into  soberness,  goodness,  equity,  and  all  truth. 
And  it  will  let  you  see,  if  you  are  quiet  in  your  minds,  that  the  jealous 
God  of  holiness  hath  no  fellowship  nor  delight  in  your  ways  of  superstition 
and  wickedness;  but  secretly  saith,  "Return,  return,  this  is  not  your  rest, 
for  it  is  polluted;"  but  and  if  you  will  not  hear,  and  come  into  the  still 
waters  of  Shiloah,  which  run  softly,  but  will  still  ride  upon  horses,  even 
go  on  in  the  strength  of  your  wills,  in  your  great  noise  of  false  worships, 
ways,  sacrifices,  and  ungodliness,  then  they  that  pursue  you,  (even  the 
judgments  of  God,)  shall  be  very  swift  against  you,  saith  the  Lord  God 
of  hosts. 

This  is  your  warning  and  visitation,  as  shall  be  witnessed,  whether 
you  hear  or  forbear. 

Some  occasional  Queries  concerning  a  Vagabond. 

Query  I.  Whether  the  ground  of  being  a  vagabond,  be  the  want  of 
an  outward  inheritance,  habitation,  or  earthly  riches,  or  certain  dwelling 
place  in  the  earth,  as  some  have  said?  Yea  or  nay?  If  yea,  then  how 
was  Cain  a  vagabond?  seeing  he  was  a  rich  man,  and  had  an  inheritance, 
and  certain  dwelling  place  in  the  earth,  who  builded  a  city,  and  called 
it  after  the  name  of  his  son?* 

II.  And  if  the  want  of  an  outward  inheritance,  or  certain  dwelling 
place  in  the  earth,  be  the  only  ground  of  being  a  vagabond,  then  whether 
Abraham  was  a  vagabond,  when  he  went  out  of  his  own  country,  not 
knowing  whither  he  went,  (having  not  so  much  ground  as  to  set  his 
foot  on,-f)  of  whom  it  is  written,  he  is  called,  the  friend  of  God?J 

•  Gen.  iv.  j-  Acts  vii.  \  Heb.  xi.  . 


140 


For  there  hath  been  a  great  noise  in  the  world,  amongst  the  rich  and 
great  men,  and  professors  thereof,  in  these  latter  days,  saying,  if  you 
cannot  give  an  account  of  your  certain  dwelling  place,  habitation,  or 
place  of  abode  in  the  earth,  we  account  yoU  as  vagabonds,  and  wander- 
ers, and  rogues,  and  you  must  be  prosecuted  against  as  such  by  our 
law,  ordinance,  or  act  of  parliament,  or  the  like.  Which  if  they  have 
such  a  law,  that  doth  judge  and  conclude  such  to  be  vagabonds  as  have 
no  certain  dwelling  place  in  the  earth,  and  that  this,  in  their  account,  is 
the  ground  of  being  a  vagabond,  then  mark  how  far  this  law  will  reach. 

III.  Whether  it  will  not  reach  as  far  in  this  case,  as  did  that  of  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  the  Jews'  law,  to  the  son  of  God,  who  said,  "We 
have  a  law,  and  by  our  law  he  ought  to  die;"  for  said  Christ,  "The  foxes 
have  holes,  (such  as  Herod,)  and  the  fowls  of  the  air  have  nests,  (of  whom 
the  devil  is  ruler,)  but  the  son  of  man  hath  no  where  to  lay  his  head." 

Now,  this  law  takes  hold  of  him,  and  of  Abraham  his  friend,  and  of 
his  apostles  and  prophets  in  the  days  past,  who  wandered  in  sheep  skins 
and  goat  skins,  being  destitute  and  afflicted,  having  no  certain  dwelling 
place.  But  if  you  say,  nay,  these  are  no  vagabonds,  though  Christ  had 
not  a  place  to  lay  his  head  on,  nor  Abraham  a  foot  of  ground,  and 
wandered  into  a  strange  country,  not  knowing  whither  he  went;  and 
the  apostles  and  patriarchs  wandered,  and  were  in  dens  and  caves  of 
the  earth,  being  destitute,  afflicted,  and  tormented  by  the  wicked  men 
of  the  world,  (who  were  not  worthy  of  them,)  having  no  certain  dwell- 
ing place;  yet  these  were  no  vagabonds,  but  good  men,  righteous  men, 
sincere  and  holy  men  of  God. 

IV.  Then  what  is  the  absolute  ground  of  being  a  vagabond?  Seeing 
these  men  are  no  vagabonds,  though  they  have  no  certain  dwelling  place, 
but  wandered  up  and  down  in  the  earth,  and  that  Cain  was  a  vaga- 
bond, though  a  rich  man,  and  builded  a  city? 

V.  Whether  the  word  vagabond  doth  not  signify  a  separation,  or 
wandering  from  God,  who  is  truth  and  love,  or  a  being  banished  from 
his  presence  by  reason  of  envy,  murder,  and  rage,  which  separate  from 
the  pure,  just  God? 

For  Cain  said,  when  he  had  been  wroth,  and  had  slain  his  brother, 
"Now  shall  I  be  a  vagabond  and  a  fugitive  in  the  earth,  and  from  thy 
presence  shall  I  be  hid,  (mark  that,)  and  behold  every  one  that  findeth 
me,  will  slay  me:"  so  he  fled  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  dwelt 
in  the  land  of  Nod,  on  the  east  of  Eden,  where  this  murderer  built  a 
city,  a  strong  hold,  being  afraid  every  one  that  found  him  would  kill 
him.  Mark,  here  the  first  builder  in  the  earth  was  a  vagabond,  a  rich 
man,  a  persecutor,  and  a  murderer  about  sacrifice.* 


*  C^al.  iv.  5. 


141 


VI.  Now,  whether  envy,  wrath,  persecution,  murder,  cruelty,  op- 
pression, and  imprisoning,  about  sacrifice  and  worship,  be  not  the  very 
ground  and  cause  of  being  a  vagabond  or  separated  from  God,  and  not 
the  want  of  a  certain  dwelling  place  in  the  earth? 

Seeing  Cain  is  a  vagabond,  though  he  builded  a  city;  and  Abraham, 
and  the  apostles,  and  prophets,  and  many  other  holy  men  of  God  and 
Christ  are  no  vagabonds,  though  they  wandered  and  had  no  city,  house, 
or  dwelling  place  in  the  earth,  or  so  much  ground  as  to  set  their  foot 
or  to  lay  their  head  on. 

VII.  Whether  God  has  not  chosen  the  poor  of  this  world,  rich  in  faith, 
and  heirs  of  his  everlasting  kingdom?  And  whether  the  rich  men,  that 
did  oppress  them,  and  draw  them  before  the  judgment-seats,  were  not 
the  blasphemers;  and  such  as  tormented  and  afflicted  them  in  envy, 
ambition,  and  Wrath,  were  not  the  vagabonds,  seeing  such  things  sepa- 
rate from  God,  and  hide  his  presence  from  them? 

VIII.  Whether  Lazarus  was  a  vagabond,  who  was  very  poor,  and 
lay  begging  at  the  rich  man's  gate,  where  the  dogs  came,  (in  more  love 
than  their  owner,)  licking  his  sores?  or  whether  this  hard  hearted  rich 
man  was  not  the  vagabond?  seeing  he  was  cast  into  hell  torments,  where 
he  was  separated  (with  a  great  gulf)  from  the  presence  and  glory  of 
God's  love  forever;  and  Lazarus,  the  beggar,  carried  into  Abraham's 
bosom,  (the  friend  of  God,)  by  an  angel,  being  comforted;  and  the  other, 
who  lived  in  pleasures,  unrighteousness  and  deliciousness  every  day  in 
his  life-time,  tormented.  Luke  16.  He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let 
him  hear. 

Now,  seeing  Cain  is  a  vagabond,  being  in  the  wrath,  envy,  and  trans- 
gression, the  ground  of  it,  let  us  stretch  the  line  of  true  judgment  yet 
further,  and  see  if  we  can  find  more  rich  men  to  be  vagabonds  and 
blasphemers,  though  they  have  cities,  like  Cain,  or  habitations  in  the 
earth. 

IX.  Whether  Ishmael,  the  wild  man,  the  mocker  and  scoffer,  was 
not  cast  out  of  Abraham's  house,  the  friend  of  God,  into  whose  bosom 
the  poor  man  Lazarus  was  carried?  And  whether  he  was  not  separated 
by  his  wildness,  mocking,  and  enmity,  (whose  hand  was  against  every 
man,  and  every  man's  hand  against  him,)  from  the  presence  of  God,  and 
was  a  vagabond,  seeing  the  word  vagabond  signifieth  a  separation,  or 
being  driven  from,  or  cast  out  of  God's  presence? 

X.  Whether  Esau,  the  cunning  hunter,  the  profane  person,  was  not 
a  vagabond?  seeing  he  sold  his  birthright  for  a  mess  of  pottage,  and 
lost  the  blessing;  and  afterwards  sought  a  place  of  repentance,  but  could 
not  find  it,  but  was  rejected,  though  he  sought  it  carefully  with  tears; 
(consider  this  ye  profane  and  ungodly  ones,  whose  pleasures  and  treasures 
are  in  this  life;)  out  of  whose  loins  came  the  dukes  of  Edom,  and  twelve 


142 


princes  from  the  loins  of  Ishmael,  (the  wild  man,  the  mocker,  and  scoffer, 
who  was  cast  out  of  Abraham's  house,*)  and  these  had  towns  and  cas- 
tles, like  their  brother  Cain,  and  great  possessions  in  the  earth.f 

XL  Whether  such  as  are  in  the  envious,  wrathful,  wild,  mocking, 
and  scoffing  nature  now,  and  are  profane  persons,  cunningly  hunting 
now,  and  persecuting  and  afflicting  about  sacrifice  now,  and  drawing  the 
poor  of  this  wrorld,  ("who  are  chosen,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  God's 
kingdom,)  before  the  judgment  seats  now,  whether  these  are  not  the 
blasphemers,  vagabonds,  and  separated  from  God's  presence  now,  in 
this  state,  though  they  may  be  great  and  rich  in  this  world,  as  the 
princes  of  Ishmael,  Cain,  and  the  dukes  of  Edom;  seeing,  "God  hath 
chosen  the  poor  of  this  world,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  his  kingdom" 
without  end,  from  which  Cain  was  a  vagabond,  though  "he  builded  a 
city,  and  called  it  after  the  name  of  his  son?" J 

A  short  warning  to  the  rulers  and  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 

Therefore,  hearken  all  you  kings,  rulers,  governors,  and  people 
upon  earth,  and  take  heed  you  do  not  persecute  and  imprison,  or  abuse 
the  servants  and  children  of  the  most  high  God,  (wherever  they  come 
in  your  dominions  or  countries,)  under  the  name  of  vagabonds,  wander- 
ers, or  idle  persons,  or  the  like,  (who  come  in  love  to  your  souls.)  And 
he  you  warned,  that  you  hurt  not  them,  who  do  no  evil,  I  charge  you 
in  the  name  of  the  dreadful  God  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  lest  you 
bring  innocent  blood  upon  your  own  heads,  and  as  you  will  answer  it  in 
the  terrible  day  at  hand.  For  the  Almighty  God  is  no  respecter  of 
persons,  who  is  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords;  neither  doth  poverty 
or  riches  in  this  world  make  a  vagabond,  or  keep  from  being  a  vagabond, 
for  they  were  no  vagabonds,  who  had  here  no  continuing  city,  but  sought 
one  to  come,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God,  though  they  wandered 
about  in  sheep  skins,  and  goat  skins,  in  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth, 
yet  these  were  no  vagabonds,  but  had  a  habitation  in  God,  of  whom 
they  obtained  a  good  report,  through  faith,  and  were  blessed;  of  whom 
the  world  was  not  worthy.  And  if  any  of  us,  who  are  of  the  same  seed 
and  generation,  and  built  upon  the  same  foundation,  Christ  Jesus,  the 
light  that  lighteth  every  man,  who  was  hated,  scorned,  derided,  and 
drawn  from  prison  to  judgment;  I  say,  if  any  of  us,  who  declare  his 
generation  now,  (by  afflictions,  persecutions,  cruel  mockings,  imprison- 
ments, and  drawing  before  judgment  seats,)  should  like  Abraham  in 


Gen.  xxi.  9,  25,  16,  36,  40. 


f  Heb.  xii.  1G.  *  Gen.  iv.  17. 


143 


obedience  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  go  out  of  our  own 
country,  not  knowing  whither  we  went,  even  we  who  are  called  Quakers, 
that  tremble  at  his  word,  yet  we  are  no  vagabonds,  but  obedient  children 
and  servants  of  the  most  high  God  of  power,  and  compassions,  before  whom 
all  nations  shall  bow  and  tremble.  Therefore  be  awakened  all  ye  rulers 
and  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  and  consider  these  things,  and  be  not  rash, 
heady,  nor  high  minded,  nor  hasty  to  give  heed  to  false  reports,  or  to  fulfil 
the  lusts  and  wills  of  envious,  wrathful,  and  ambitious  men,  or  to  lay 
hands  suddenly,  or  violently  on  any,  without  just  cause;  but  be  meek, 
patient,  and  sober,  and  search  out  the  truth  of  causes  and  controversies, 
and  consider  the  scriptures  before  written,  for  the  people  of  the  living 
God  are  at  this  day  strangers  and  pilgrims  in  the  earth,  as  all  our  fathers 
were:  therefore  fear  God,  and  be  very  careful,  heeding  the  light,  his 
witness  in  you,  which  lets  you  see  between  good  and  evil,  "For  some 
"have  entertained  angels  unawares."  Heb.  xiii.  22. 

Be  wise  therefore  now,  O  ye  kings  and  rulers,  and  be  instructed,  and 
learn  righteousness,  ye  that  be  judges  of  the  earth,  and  serve  God  with 
fear  and  trembling,  lest  his  anger  be  wholly  kindled  against  you,  and 
then  you  perish  from  the  way  of  everlasting  peace  and  happiness. 

I  am  a  lover  of  the  holy  God,  and  good  men  of  truth,  mercy,  and 
righteousness;  and  am  waiting  in  the  spirit  of  love  and  patience  for  the 
resurrection  of  the  dead,  that  the  righteous  and  holy  seed  may  arise, 
and  come  into  rule  and  dominion  in  and  through  the  whole  creation; 
called, 

William  Bayly. 


The  decree  of  God  the  first  birth  is  to  slay, 
That  all  its  fruits  and  offsprings  might  decay; 
Which  hath  fill'd  the  earth  with  pride  and  violence, 
Ev'n  like  the  plague  and  grievous  pestilence: 
The  zeal  of  God  against  it  now  doth  burn, 
Which  will  consume  it  in  Jacob's  blest  return, 
For,  the  first  born  of  Egypt  must  be  brought 
To  death,  who  hath  the  second's  mischief  sought, 
Which  now  must  rule  the  nations  with  his  rod; 
Though  Cain  may  flee,  and  build  in  the  land  of  Nod, 
Yet  there  his  hand  will  find  him  out  again, 
Then  endless  will  be  his  punishment  and  pain: 
And  all  that  came  from  the  first  birth,  must  go 
Into  condemnation  and  eternal  wo, 
Which  caus'd  the  wrath  of  God  on  earth  to  come, 
Therefore  its  great  destruction  is  the  sum 


144 


Of  what  the  prophets  by  past,  have  declar'd, 
That  Babylon  no  longer  should  be  spar'd; 
But  vengeance  on  her  head  should  poured  be, 
That  all  her  plagues  and  nakedness  may  see, 
And  by  her  torments  learn  for  to  amend, 
Lest  furious  plagues  again  on  them  he  send: 
For  with  his  sword  he'll  cut  down  cedars  tall, 
And  with  great  noise  now  Babylon  must  fall; 
And  all  her  merchants  they  shall  weep  and  wail, 
For  God  will  neither  leave  her  head  nor  tail: 
And  he'll  not  spare  his  arrows  for  to  spend, 
Till  of  her  seed  he  hath  made  a  final  end. 
All  flesh  shall  fail,  all  knees  shall  feeble  be; 
The  joints  and  loins  of  men  now  loos'd  you'll  see; 
The  earth  shall  reel,  the  mountains  now  shall  quake, 
Because  God  pleads  with  them  for  his  seed's  sake. 
These  things  are  near,  and  hasten  they  do  now, 
The  time  is  come,  that  nations  all  must  bow 
To  him  that's  born,  who  must  the  sceptre  sway, 
And  bring  to  dust  what  stands  against  his  way. 
His  name  is  light,  his  burden  is  so  too, 
Easy  his  yoke  to  those  who  life  forego 
For  his  name's  sake,  and  in  his  will  can  rest; 
These  are  the  souls  that  are  forever  blest; 
But  as  for  them  that  will  not  he  should  reign, 
The  time  draws  near  in  which  they  must  be  slain. 
Amen,  hallelujah. 

William  Bayly. 

Babylon  the  great  is  fallen,  is  fallen,  and  become  the  habitation  of 
devils. — Rev,  xviii. 


THE  VISION  OF  WILLIAM  BAYLY. 


Since  I  came  into  this  place,  waiting  in  the  counsel  of  the  Lord,  my 
spirit  hath  had  much  converse  with  him  concerning  the  secret  counsel 
and  determination  of  things  which  shall  shortly  come  to  pass  in  these 
latter  days ;  yea,  I  have  been  in  certain  seasons,  as  it  were,  upon  mount 
Sinai  with  him,  where  the  Lord  hath  even  spoken  through  a  pillar  of 
fire,  or  in  a  burning  bush,  concerning  his  people,  and  their  oppressors, 
which  things  at  present,  many  of  them,  are  hard  to  be  uttered. 

But  in  the  evening  of  the  second  day  of  the  fifth  month,  (62,)  lying 
down  on  my  bed,  in  the  counsel  of  the  Lord,  and  in  it  taking  my  rest, 
until  about  the  middle  of  the  night,  at  which  time  I  saw,  as  it  were,  the 
appearance  of  an  angel,  which  talked  with  me,  but  being  parted,  I  felt 
as  it  were  the  weight  of  a  great  millstone,  which  lay  very  heavy 
upon  my  soul  and  spirit;  and  upon  a  sudden  I  heard  a  loud  voice,  saying, 
"They  are  resolved  at  present  to  seek  your  final  destruction:"  which 
words  did  perfectly  awaken  me,  and  a  great  trembling,  and  hot  burning, 
(even  as  it  were  beyond  the  ordinary  nature  of  outward  fire,)  fell  upon 
me,  in  which  state  I  said  unto  the  Lord,  "  If  I  be  worthy,  let  me  know 
how,  and  when,  this  shall  be,  which  they  have  determined  against  thy 
people.'*  And  my  bowels  yearned  within  me,  and  I  wept  before  the 
Lord,  and  he  answered  me  on  this  wise :  "  Even  as  Herod  sought  the 
young  child's  life,  and  as  Pharaoh  and  his  magicians,  and  enchanters, 
and  wise  men,  took  counsel  together,  against  my  seed  in  ages  past,  so 
are  these  men  at  present  resolved,  in  the  counsel  of  their  hearts,  to  leave 
you  neither  root  nor  branch." 

Then  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  that  he  would  discover  unto  me  in 
what  way  they  intend  to  do  it.  And  the  Lord  answered  me  after  this 
manner:  "They  seek  to  take  away  the  lives  of  some  of  my  people,  and 
some  that  they  seek  to  take,  shall  be  preserved;  and  others,  peradven- 
ture,  which  they  did  not  so  much  seek  after,  may  fall  in  that  lot;  for 
this  is  the  very  purpose  of  some  of  their  hearts  at  this  time,  (whatever 
they  may  say  with  their  mouth  unto  you,)  to  take  away  the  lives  of 
a  certain  number,  and  to  banish  the  rest  as  fast  as  they  appear  as  wit- 
nesses for  the  Lord."  And  besides,  the  Lord  showed  me,  '-that  it  was 
in  the  counsel  of  one  of  their  hearts,  to  murder  us  in  the  prisons;"  at 
which  I  was  in  my  spirit  troubled,  which  trouble  the  Lord  answered  in 
a  figure  on  this  wise. 

As  I  was  sitting  quiet  (as  it  were)  alone,  there  came  into  the  room 

19 


146 


in  which  I  was,  a  man  very  strong,  thick,  and  tall,  even  filled  with  the 
power  of  darkness,  who  came  violently  near  me,  and  spake  grievous 
words  against  me,  in  derision  of  the  Lord  and  of  his  people;  and  he  smote 
me  with  his  staff,  and  trod  upon  me  with  his  feet,  to  make  me  how  under 
the  power  which  ruled  in  him,  and  would  have  had  me  engaged  to  have 
been  a  subject  to  that  power;  but  I  cried  to  the  Lord  in  fear  and  trem- 
bling, saying,  let  me  never  bow  to  one  jot  of  this  great  power  of  enmity 
and  darkness:  which  that  man  perceiving,  stept  forth  of  the  room  and 
fetched  a  great  axe,  and  said  unto  me,  "  If  I  would  not  bow,  he  would  cut 
me  to  pieces;"  which  axe  being  lifted  up,  there  stood  by  a  woman  of 
a  glorious  countenance,  and  lovely  to  behold,  even  like  the  face  of  an 
angel,  and  she  with  her  words,  and  by  the  lifting  up  of  her  right  hand, 
stood  between  me  and  the  axe,  and  turned  it  backward,  by  laying  hold 
on  his  right  hand,  that  he  could  not  do  that  which  he  then  intended. 
Immediately  after,  I  was  carried  in  my  spirit  into  a  large  and  high  way, 
where  I  met  with  several  men,  one  of  most  nations  upon  the  earth,  whose 
outward  languages  I  understand  not,  but  the  seed  of  God  in  them  I 
saw  and  understood  clearly,  which  was  raised  and  travailed,  breathing, 
and  crying  to  the  Lord;  which  men  I,  with  some  more  of  my  brethren, 
dearly  saluted  in  the  love  and  bowels  of  God,  glorifying  his  name  on 
their  behalf,  and  immediately,  they  (as  it  were)  vanished  out  of  my 
sight.  Then  I  again  returned  in  my  spirit  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  the 
reason,  concerning  some  words  which  I  had  formerly  written,  in  calling 
the  name  of  the  Lord  so  often  by  the  name  of  Jehovah,  seeing  it  hath 
not  been  always  frequent  with  us  so  to  do.  And  the  Lord  answered, 
"In  the  days  past,  and  in  former  years,  that  was  my  name  by  which 
I  was  known  unto  my  people,  which  signifieth,  a  great,  and  powerful, 
and  wonderful  deliverer:  and  now  the  beginning  hath  near  found  the 
end,  in  which  my  mighty  wonders  shall  be  known  as  in  the  days  of  old ; 
for  I  have  been  as  a  travelling  man  into  a  far  country,  and  the  course  of 
my  way  has  been  like  a  rainbow,  or  a  ring,  and  I  am  like  one  that  is 
coming  in  where  I  first  went  out,  unto  the  children  of  men;  that  is  the  rea- 
son why  my  spirit  calls  upon  me  by  those  names,  in  which  I  was  manifest 
in  the  beginning.  Therefore  charge  my  people,  whom  this  concerns, 
that  they  take  heed  of  a  false  birth,  and  of  a  false  joy,  and  a  false  rest, 
which  cannot  continue,  nor  dwell  with  me,  who  am  everlasting  burnings 
and  a  consuming  fire.  And  this  is  also  a  name  in  which  I  will  be 
known  throughout  all  the  inhabitants 'of  the  earth.  And  charge  all  whom 
this  concerns,  to  be  very  diligent,  still,  quiet,  and  watchful,  waiting 
upon  me,  even  with  fear  and  trembling,  that  they  may  know  my  counsel 
and  secrets,  and  be  guided  in  the  wisdom  and  dominion  of  my  life,  that 
they  may  be  able,  in  the  light  of  my  counsel,  to  discern  and  ponder  the 
weight  of  my  glory:  for  behold  I  will  work  wonderfully  amongst  the 


147 


children  of  men,  and  I  will  cast  out  of  my  presence  and  congregations 
all  false  births;  and  not  a  foolish  nor  deceitful  tongue,  shall  be  found 
in  all  Israel,  because  they  shall  live  in  watchfulness  towards  me,  that 
they  offend  not;  and  I  will  watch  over  them,  to  preserve  them,  in  the 
day  of  bitterness,  distress,  and  anguish,  which  is  coming  as  a  flood  upon 
all  the  disobedient,  ungodly  and  rebellious." 

William  Bayly. 

Newgate  prison. 


A  GENERAL  EPISTLE  TO  ALL  FRIENDS, 


Who  are  called  and  gathered  of  God,  called  Quakers. 


Friends, 

Live  in  the  life,  and  power,  and  wisdom  of  God,  every  where;  then  you 
live  in  Christ,  the  saviour,  the  redeemer,  the  leader  of  his  people  Israel, 
the  son  of  God,  who  came  not  to  do  his  own  will.  For  nothing  hut  life, 
and  power,  and  wisdom,  shall  stand  and  he  a  hiding  place  in  the  terrible 
day  at  hand.  Therefore  feel  it,  possess  it,  enjoy  it,  all  ye  who  profess 
yourselves  to  be  followers  of  Christ ;  and  remember,  that  a  name  to  live 
is  not  enough,  or  to  be  counted  a  follower  of  the  lamb;  but  feel  and 
possess  the  lamb's  life,  which  takes  away  the  sin,  that  bears  the  iniquity: 
for  God  is  raising  his  own  seed  into  dominion  and  victory  over  all,  and 
his  kingdom  which  hath  no  end,  which  shall  abolish  all  other  kingdoms. 
Feel  him  bora  whose  right  it  is  to  reign,  upon  whose  shoulders  the  go- 
vernment must  be,  Christ,  the  power  of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God, 
the  leader  and  preserver  of  his  people.  Know  him  all  people,  (who 
profess  his  name  in  words,)  and  his  appearance  in  you,  or  else  you  are 
reprobates,  foolish  virgins,  cast-aways,  without  life,  without  power, 
without  wisdom  from  above,  that  is  pure  and  peaceable.  So  dwell  in 
the  dread  and  power,  life  and  wisdom  of  God,  that  you  may  be  found 
in  Christ  Jesus,  the  saviour,  in  whom  the  Father  is  well  pleased;  that 
by  him  you  may  be  led,  guided,  and  preserved  to  God's  glory,  and  be 
the  wise  virgins  possessing  the  oil  which  makes  glad  the  soul,  the  sub- 
stance, the  light,  life,  and  power  of  God,  in  which  alone  is  salvation^ 
and  not  in  another :  for  the  day  of  trial  is  come,  that  nothing  will 
stand  but  life  itself.  Therefore,  every  one  to  his  tent,  dwelling  in  the 
retiredness,  in  the  stillness,  in  the  patience,  feeling  the  life  of  God,  the 
undaunted  spirit,  that  lifts  up  a  standard  when  the  enemy  comes  like 
a  flood.  And  be  not  deceived  with  dreams,  or  a  spirit  of  slumber,  but 
be  awakened,  and  feel  the  power  that  raiseth  the  dead,  and  quickeneth 
up  to  God,  and  keeps  in  the  awakenedness,  your  hearts  open  unto  him, 
your  understandings  cleared  by  the  thundering  power  of  the  Lord  God, 
which  clears  all,  which  drives  away  the  clouds,  and  causes  the  showers 
to  descend,  to  the  refreshing  of  the  seed  immortal,  in  which  alone  the 
blessing  is,  to  whom  the  mercies  are,  and  with  whom  the  covenant  is, 
and  promises  are,  amen  for  ever. 


149 


So,  all  feel  and  possess  the  pure  power  of  the  eternal  God;  then  you 
feel  the  covenant,  and  live  in  the  covenant;  then  you  live  with  God  as 
Enoch  did,  in  the  new  and  living  way,  which  abides  forever  to  all  gene- 
rations; Christ  the  seed,  which  bruiseth  the  serpent's  head,  and  recon- 
ciles to  God  the  father  of  it.  So  all  friends,  who  feel  the  power  of  God, 
live  in  it,  dwell  in  it,  then  you  dwell  in  God's  covenant  which  he  made 
with  Abraham  and  his  seed  for  ever  ;  then  you  know  the  words  of  God 
in  the  mouth  of  the  seed  which  never  goes  out,  but  is  in  the  covenant 
in  the  power  of  Christ  for  ever,  who  is  come  to  destroy  the  works  of 
the  devil,  to  smite  the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and  to  slay  the 
wicked  with  the  breath  of  his  lips;  to  whom  all  judgment  is  committed 
in  heaven  and  earth,  to  whom  every  knee  must  bow,  of  things  in  heaven 
and  things  in  earth.  This  is  the  higher  power:  let  every  soul  be  subject 
to  it,  guided  by  it,  possess  it,  live  in  it:  then  you  know  Christ  as  the  wife 
the  husband;  then  you  know  the  church  that  is  in  God,  the  pillar  and 
ground  of  truth.  But  they  who  are  from  the  power  of  God  in  themselves, 
are  from  Christ,  are  from  the  new  covenant,  are  from  the  wisdom  of 
God,  are  from  the  leader,  are  from  the  redeemer  and  saviour,  and  not 
members  of  his  body.  Such  know  not  the  redeemer  to  live,  such  know 
not  the  bride,  the  lamb's  wife,  the  king's  daughter,  which  is  all  glorious 
within ;  such  know  not  the  cross  of  Christ ;  for  the  cross  of  Christ  is  the 
power  of  God,  which  crosseth,  bindeth,  and  limiteth  the  self  will  and 
wandering  desires  of  the  earthly  man;  such  are  the  foolish  virgins  with 
the  lamps,  a  form  without  the  oil,  the  power,  the  anointing,  which 
makes  the  face  to  shine,  gives  boldness,  strength,  joy,  peace,  courage, 
and  dominion  over  all  the  contrary. 

Now  is  the  day  come,  which  shall  manifest  all  things,  who  are  in  the 
power,  and  who  are  out  of  the  power.  For  they  who  are  in  the  power  are 
in  Christ,  the  saviour,  the  covenant  of  God;  and  they  who  are  out  of  the 
power  are  out  of  God's  covenant,  in  which  all  things  are  good  and  blessed, 
and  so  are  yet  in  the  fall,  not  raised  by  the  power,  but  in  the  curse  and 
the  ground  of  it.  So  read  within,  with  the  light  of  God's  witness;  and 
see  the  ground  in  which  ye  now  stand,  whether  it  be  in  God's  covenant, 
the  power,  and  life,  and  wisdom  from  above;  or  whether  out  of  it,  in 
the  alienation,  in  the  lower  power,  the  fall,  out  of  God's  covenant  and 
life,  which  giveth  dominion  over  all  the  world,  death,  hell,  and  the 
grave,  and  the  darkness  and  powers  of  it. 

So  all  who  dwell  in  God's  covenant,  you  dwell  in  that  which  he 
hath  remembered,  which  was  with  Abraham  his  friend,  who  rejoiced 
to  see  his  day,  and  with  Isaac  and  Jacob,  in  whom  the  seed  was  called, 
for  whose  sake  he  will  plead  with  all  flesh,  and  work  wonderful  things 
for  the  deliverance  of  his  chosen  remnant.  So  feel  that  which  makes 
you  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  earth,  (read  within,)  upon  the  earth  let 


150 


the  truth  be,  and  you  in  it  valiant  and  bold,  giving  up  all  in  the  will 
of  the  eternal  God;  for  he  loveth  a  cheerful  giver,  and  in  so  doing  you 
will  feel,  in  the  stillness,  blessings  and«rest  with  him  in  the  midst  of 
trials  and  tribulations.    For  by  his  outstretched  arms  is  he  gathering 
his  seed  from  the  four  corners  of  the  earth,  and  will  bring  them  into 
the  holy  land  which  is  prepared  a  rest  for  them  that  love  him.  So,  all 
friends,  dwell  in  the  truth  itself,  in  God's  power,  and  wisdom,  and  fear, 
which  will  keep  the  mind  stayed  and  stable,  in  dominion  over  the  fear 
and  threats  of  men,  and  out  of  all  the  snares  and  temptations  of  the 
devil  and  the  world,  in  him  which  was  before  the  fears,  the  snares,  the 
world,  the  devil,  and  the  persecuting  spirit  was,  and  will  be  when  it 
shall  be  no  more  for  ever ;  in  which  your  souls  will  rejoice  and  praise 
the  Lord  who  hath  called  you  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light, 
in  which  is  no  occasion  of  stumbling,  but  keeps  in  the  pure  feeling  and 
discerning,  moderation  and  settledness,  above  the  dark  mountains, where 
we  feel  him  daily  God's  delight,  before  the  hills,  the  mountains,  or  the 
foundations  of  the  earth  were  laid;  in  whom  are  all  the  treasures  of 
life,  wisdom,  and  knowledge.  So,  all  friends,  dwell  in  him,  and  lie  down 
in  him,  where  none  can  make  you  afraid. 

And  keep  your  meetings  every  where,  and  wait  in  the  dread  of  God, 
and  be  zealous  for  his  name  and  truth ;  and  live  in  the  retiredness,  in 
which  his  terrible  power  ariseth  in  his  lambs  and  babes,  to  guide  and 
preserve  them  in  dominion  and  life  over  all,  to  his  glory  and  their  com- 
fort and  pure  refreshment,  in  his  everlasting  covenant,  which  changeth 
not.  And  keep  out  of  all  extremes  to  the  right  hand  or  left,  but  judge 
them,  and  rule  and  reign  with  Christ,  the  unchangeable  covenant  of  God, 
whose  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  whose  throne  is  heaven,  and  the 
earth  his  foot-stool.  Here  you  dwell  in  the  elect,  which  cannot  be  de- 
ceived nor  overcome. 

So  all  live  in  the  power,  the  love  of  God,  out  of  all  rents,  strife,  pre- 
judice, and  contentions,  in  Christ,  the  covenant,  the  holy  mountain, 
where  there  is  no  hurting  nor  destroying,  but  dominion  over  all  change- 
ables  known  in  the  free  life  and  seed  which  hath  no  end,  of  which  God 
is  Father,  which  changeth  not;  and  out  of  covetousness,  which  is  idola- 
try, and  slavish  fears  of  trials,  and  want  therein,  and  out  of  carelessness 
and  excess,  in  the  moderation  and  wisdom  of  God.  And  fashion  not 
yourselves  like  unto  them  that  know  not  God ;  but  know  and  follow  him 
that  is  not  of  this  world,  whose  garment  is  without  seam  or  rent,  wo- 
ven from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  whose  life,  and  wisdom,  and  doctrine 
the  world  cannot  receive.  So  here  is  the  cross  known  to  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh,  the  lusts  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,  which  is  not  of  the  Fa- 
ther, but  of  the  world:  so  all  in  the  cross  dwell,  which  crucifies  to  the 
world,  and  the  nature,  spirit,  and  ways  of  it ;  in  which  the  saints'  glory 


151 

is,  and  peace,  which  gives  to  feel  over  all  the  earth  and  unclean  spirits, 
in  God's  kingdom  forever  to  reign. 

So  in  his  eternal  power  and  dominion,  life,  wisdom,  and  peace,  the 
Lord  God  Almighty  keep  and  preserve  all  his  upright-hearted  and  ten- 
der lambs  unto  himself,  pure  and  spotless  unto  the  end.  Amen. 

This  is  a  faithful  testimony  and  visitation  of  God's  spirit  unto  all  who 
profess  his  name  in  this  notable  day  of  trial,  in  which  he  will  make  a 
final  separation  between  the  two  seeds;  in  which  none  shall  abide  co- 
vered, but  such  as  are  covered  with  the  spirit  of  the  Lord. 

William  Bayly. 

From  the  White-Lion  Prison,  in  Southwark, 
the  9th  Month,  1662. 

Some  Words  given  forth  by  the  Spirit  of  Truth  to  all  People,  in 

the  year  1662. 

The  day  is  come,  of  which  the  prophets  told, 
And  prophesied,  in  the  days  of  old; 
That  Gog  and  Magog  the  city  compass  should 
The  holy  one,  which  shines  like  purest  gold. 

Even  New  Jerusalem,  that's  come  down  from  above, 
Which  walks  in  truth,  in  peace,  in  joy,  and  love; 
Whose  precious  life  the  nations  seek  to  smother, 
Like  unto  Cain  who  slew  his  righteous  brother. 

And  the  reason  why  these  things  are  come  to  pass, 
Is  that  all  flesh  should  fade,  like  to  the  grass 
That  down  is  cut,  even  by  the  mower's  hand, 
And  wickedness  no  longer  in  the  earth  should  stand. 

For  God's  decree  is  sealed,  perfect,  sure, 
That  righteousness  forever  shall  endure, 
And  all  ungodly  men  into  the  pit  shall  fall, 
Who  in  their  day  refus'd  God's  holy  call. 

But  as  for  us,  our  eyes  the  good  day  see, 
And  by  the  truth  in  measure  are  set  free; 
Our  hearts  and  minds  from  earth  are  now  redeem'd, 
And  all  its  fading  glory  is  not  by  us  esteem'd. 

For  God  is  risen,  all  things  for  to  prove, 
And  what  is  not  his  own  he  will  remove; 
And  like  a  lion  roused  is  he  come, 
To  give  to  wickedness  its  doom. 

Therefore,  let  all  flesh  dread  the  living  God, 
In  this  the  day  of  smitings  with  his  rod, 


152 


And  all  ye  people  that  profess  his  name, 
Let  not  your  hearts  depart  e'er  from  the  same, 
But  in  the  life  of  God  remain  you  still, 
That  you  may  further  know  and  do  his  will. 

And  all  ye  waiters  on  the  Lord, 
Live  in  his  power  with  one  accord; 
For  no  respecter  of  persons  is  our  God, 
But  smites  down  kings  with  his  outstretched  rod. 
Therefore,  learn  meekness  and  humility, 
That  you  in  peace  may  live  and  never  die. 

For  at  God's  house  is  judgment  now  begun, 
And  tried  must  nations  all,  before  that  it  be  done; 
Therefore,  walk  you  examples  in  this  day, 
Leading  in  steps  of  God's  most  holy  way. 

For  nations'  eyes  are  on  your  ways  now  bent, 
Therefore,  walk  as  patterns,  in  trials  be  content, 
And  in  all  fear  of  God  see  that  you  dwell; 
For  it  keeps  out  the  snares  of  the  tormenting  hell. 

And  let  your  words  and  actions  seasoned  be, 
That  nations  may  behold  your  chastity; 
For  God  hath  seal'd  it  in  my  heart  this  day, 
That  he  will  be  aveng'd  on  all  that  wrong  his  way, 
And  are  not  watchful  in  this  great,  trying  hour, 
But  neglecting  their  salvation,  in  his  almighty  power; 
For  now  he  is  arisen  for  to  cut  short  the  day, 
In  righteousness  and  truth  to  raise  his  holy  way, 
That  nations  which  are  saved  may  in  it  plainly  walk, 
And  of  his  mighty  acts  his  chosen  ones  may  talk. 

For  our  God  is  pleading  with  all  flesh  as  grass, 
And  mighty  wonders  for  his  seed  will  he  now  bring  to  pass. 

Nations  shall  quake  and  tremble,  and  kingdoms  roar  and  rattle, 
For  he  the  mighty  God,  is  risen  unto  battle: 
Therefore,  ye  babes,  be  faithful,  valiant,  just  and  true; 
For  God  is  giving  all  their  final  due. 

And  be  you  very  watchful  in  this  his  mighty  day, 
That  nations  may  behold  you  are  in  the  right  way, 
Which  hath  been  hid  in  many  ages  past, 
But  unto  you  he  hath  reveal'd  at  last. 

In  which  do  you  rejoice,  with  fear  and  trembling  still, 
That  always  you  be  found  to  do  his  holy  will. 
For  to  this  end  ye're  call'd,  in  his  eternal  love, 
That  he  by  you  all  nations  now  may  prove; 

And  that  each  seed  in  sight,  clearly  distinct  may  be, 
The  one  condemn'd  forever,  the  other  in  liberty; 
This  is  the  work  which  God  amongst  us  hath  begun, 
And  great  shall  it  appear  before  that  it  be  done. 


153 


For  God  is  come,  to  reign  in  light  and  majesty, 
And  they  that  will  not  bow  to  him,  eternally  must  die. 

Whether  kings  or  princes,  no  person  he  respects, 
But  all  the  seed  of  wickedness,  forever  he  rejects; 
Neither  outward  names  or  titles  doth  he  regard, 
For  which  a  generation  should  be  spared ; 

But  for  his  seed  alone,  which  cries  and  groans, 
Will  he  dismount  the  mighty  from  their  thrones, 
Who  live  in  carelessness,  regarding  not  his  call; 
Like  potters'  vessels  dash'd  against  a  wall, 

Such  shall  be  seen,  who  strive  against  his  way; 
For  very  swiftly  hasteneth  the  day, 
In  which  false  worship's  persecuting  train 
Shall  fall  into  the  pit,  and  never  rise  again. 

Glory  unto  God,  and  the  lamb  forevermore 
Who  down  the  beast  will  throw,  the  dragon  and  the  whore. 
Which  nations  drunk  hath  made,  and  over  rulers  reign'd, 
And  by  deceit  and  flattery  the  hearts  of  people  gain'd: 

Whose  gain  shall  now  be  loss,  and  crown  their  cross  you'll  see, 
Their  cup  of  pleasures  and  delights  a  bitter  dram  shall  be. 

Therefore  ye  rulers,  who  have  upheld 
The  whore,  with  wicked  hands, 
The  day  draws  nigh  in  which  you  shall 
Be  bound  with  cords  and  bands. 

Then  shall  you  know  the  lot  of  them 
Who  their  fellow  servants  smite, 
On  whom  the  son  of  God  will  come 
As  a  thief  in  the  night; 

And  cut  you  all  asunder,  and  in  the  lake  you  throw, 
Who  have  refused  and  abhorr'd,  the  living  God  to  know, 
Therefore  in  flames  of  fire  on  you  will  he  descend, 
And  all  your  strength  and  policy,  shall  not  yourselves  defend. 

For  God  hath  sworn,  and  will  perform, 
To  avenge  his  seed  elect, 
And  all  your  plottings  against  the  just 
He'll  make  of  none  effect. 

For  he  hath  raised  up  a  branch,  which  to  deceit  can't  bend, 
Therefore  leave  off  oppressing  it,  for  of  it  there's  no  end. 

Their  kingdom  shall  increase,  and  multiply  and  grow, 
Though  you  should  them  oppress,  even  like  the  king  Pharaoh 
Who  did  in  Egypt's  land,  lay  tasks  upon  them  sore, 
Till  that  the  plagues  on  Pharaoh  came,  and  destroyed  them  evermore. 

Take  warning  now,  ye  mighty  men, 
And  look  back  what  is  past, 
Lest  you  yourselves,  in  the  like  case, 
Be  all  destroyed  at  last. 

20 


154 


For  of  a  truth  we  are  his  sons,  who  tremble  at  his  word, 
Whose  cause  he  is  resolv'd  to  plead,  by  fire  and  with  sword, 

Against  all  those  that  do  oppress,  his  tender  heritage, 
And  grind  the  faces  of  the  poor,  in  malice  and  in  rage. 
Though  you  in  prison  shut  us  up,  God's  presence  we  enjoy, 
That  all  your  threats  and  cruelties,  cannot  our  souls  annoy. 

For  we,  as  lambs,  lay  down  our  heads  in  quietness  and  peace, 
Whilst  you,  like  beasts  of  prey,  do  fear  and  torment  still  increase. 

Therefore  on  this  consider  now, 
And  tremble  before  our  God; 
For  he  will  dash  you,  in  his  wrath, 
With  his  perpetual  rod. 

And  kiss  the  son  while  you  have  time, 
Before  his  anger  burn, 
And  you  in  Tophet  cast  alive, 
Whence  never  you'll  return. 

For  I  have  seen  in  secret  place, 
God's  counsel  true  and  just, 
That  all  who  will  not  bow  to  truth 
He'll  trample  down  to  dust. 

So  in  his  will  my  soul's  resign'd, 
And  body  is  prepar'd, 
To  do  or  suffer  for  his  seed's  sake — 
I  nothing  else  regard. 


William  Bayly. 


A  MESSAGE  SENT  FORTH 


FROM  THE 

RISEN  SEED  OF  GOD. 

Being  a  faithful  expostulation  and  testimony  concerning  the  unjust 
and  hard  dealings  of  the  rulers  and  people  in  England;  who  have 
a  hand  in  the  cruel  oppressions  and  sufferings  of  the  people  of 
God  called  Quakers. 


Hearken  and  give  ear,  ye  sons  of  men,  and  consider  what  ye  are  doing 
in  making  snares,  traps,  and  gins  for  an  innocent  people!  What  have  we 
done  against  the  righteous,  holy  God,  or  against  any  of  his  laws,  or  against 
any  righteous,  just  laws  of  men,  since  we  were  a  people,  called  and  chosen 
of  God  out  of  the  ways  and  vanities  of  this  world,  that  you  should  thus 
oppress,  abuse,  and  persecute  us,  as  if  we  were  not  worthy  to  live  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth  ?  Why  do  ye  thus  hunt  us,  as  a  partridge  upon  the 
mountains,  and  as  sheep  for  the  slaughter?  What  evil  have  we  done,  or 
what  is  our  offence,  that  you,  like  Saul,  pursue  us?  If  you  pretend  and 
say,  we  are  breakers  of  the  king's  laws,  or  queen's  laws,  or  acts  of  par- 
liaments, or  the  like;  if  this  be  the  only  cause,  then  let  me  query  or 
reason  with  you  in  God's  behalf.  What  are  those  laws  or  acts  of  par- 
liament, and  the  ground  of  them,  by  which  a  harmless  and  innocent 
people  are  thus  caused  to  suffer,  who  break  not  the  law  of  Christ  and 
of  God,  but  worship  him  in  the  spirit  and  truth,  with  our  heart  and 
understanding,  mind  and  strength,  and  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves, 
as  God  is  witness;  and  even  pray,  that  God  would  open  the  eyes  of 
them  that  hate  us,  and  despitefully  use  us.  Had  not  they  in  Daniel's 
time,  and  in  the  Jew's  time,  and  in  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abednego's 
time,  laws  and  decrees,  sealed  with  king's  seals,  which  were  against  God 
and  his  dear  children,  (which  worshipped  him  in  spirit  and  truth,  as  we 
do  now,)  who  suffered  such  things  for  the  trial  of  their  faith  and  patience 
for  a  season:  yea,  he  suffered  Cain  to  kill  his  brother  Abel  about  sacri- 
fice and  worship;  he  suffered  Judas  to  betray  Christ,  our  elder  brother, 
and  the  rulers  and  priests  to  crucify  and  murder  him  by  a  law.  But 
what  law  was  it  by  which  the  son  of  God  was  put  to  death?  Judge  ye: 
was  it  not  made  in  man's  will,  by  that  spirit  that  professed  the  good 
words,  and  had  the  sheep's  clothing,  that  did  say,  and  not  do?  And  were 


156 


not  the  Scribes,  and  Pharisees,  and  rulers,  and  chief  priests  hypocrites, 
that  did  so?  and  had  not  they  their  portion  in  the  lake  that  burns?  and 
did  not  he  say  to  them,  "If  you  have  done  these  things  to  the  green  .tree 
what  will  they  do  to  the  dry?"  And  was  not  he  had  from  prison  to  judg- 
ment, and  numbered  amongst  transgressors?  And  is  it  not  so  now,  between 
you  and  us,  as  it  was  then,  the  enmity  between  the  two  seeds  and  births? 
Read,  and  let  God's  witness,  which  reproves  you  in  secret,  answer.  And 
did  not  he  suffer  the  prophets  to  be  stoned  by  the  great  professing  city 
and  people?  and  priest  Pashur  to  smite  Jeremiah  on  the  mouth?  and  to 
be  put  in  the  stocks  and  dungeon,  for  speaking  the  truth  ?  And  suffered 
Zechariah  to  be  slain  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  Stephen  to 
be  stoned  for  witnessing  against  temples  made  with  hands;  and  many 
such  things  God  did  suffer  that  evil  and  adulterous  generation  to  inflict 
upon  his  servants  and  tender  children,  who  say  to  their  oppressors  in  this 
age  as  he  did  then,  "  Fill  ye  up  the  measures  of  your  fathers,  that  upon 
you  may  come  the  vengeance,  for  all  the  righteous  blood  shed  from 
Zechariah  to  this  day." 

Are  not  you  in  the  way  of  Cain?  Are  not  you  in  the  way  of  the  Jews? 
Are  not  you  in  the  way  of  the  heathen  that  did  rage,  and  the  people 
that  did  imagine  vain  things,  who  took  counsel  together  against  the  Lord 
and]  his  anointed  ones,  saying,  let  us  break  their  bands  asunder,  and 
cast  away  their  cords  from  us?  And  are  you  not  now  saying  within 
yourselves,  and  among  yourselves,  let  us  break  their  meetings,  and  cast 
away  or  banish  their  strength  from  us,  that  their  name  may  be  blotted 
out,  and  their  remembrance  from  amongst  us?  But  he  that  sits  in  heaven 
hath  you  in  derision,  who  will  laugh  at  your  calamity,  and  mock  when 
your  fear  and  destruction  come  as  a  whirlwind. 

Are  you  not  like  Herod,  thafsubtle  fox,  who  sought  the  young  child's 
life  as  soon  as  it  was  born?  And  was  not  he  prevented,  though  he  slew 
all  the  males  in  that  region  about  two  years  old,  or  under  ?  And  are 
you  not  like  Pharaoh,  and  those  dark  Egyptians,  enchanters,  magicians, 
and  wise  men,  who  said,  "  let  us  deal  wisely  with  them,  lest  they  multi- 
ply, and  become  great  in  number;"  and  so  enjoined  the  midwives  to  kill 
all  the  males  of  the  Hebrews?  But  was  not  Moses  then  born,  and  hid 
from  them  in  an  ark  of  bulrushes,  whom  God  had  appointed  to  be  the 
leader  and  deliverer  of  his  people  out  of  Egypt?  Even  thus  are  you  de- 
ceived; and  God  will  prevent  you  and  your  intents,  as  he  did  them  and 
theirs,  whose  decrees  were  frustrated,  and  laws  and  counsels  of  none 
effect.  For  God  hath  sworn  by  himself,  and  he  will  perform  it,  "  that 
no  weapon  formed  against  Jacob  or  his  seed  shall  prosper,  nor  any  en- 
chantment or  divination  against  his  Israel  shall  prevail."  For  he  hath 
determined  to  exalt  truth  and  righteousness  in  the  earth,  and  throw 
down  wickedness,  oppression,  idolatry  and  ungodliness;  and  he  will  take 


157 


the  wise  in  their  own  craftiness,  and  lay  low,  even  to  the  dust,  all  the 
powers  of  the  earth,  who  exalt  themselves  against  him  and  his  heritage. 
He  respects  not  the  persons  of  men,  but  will  trample  the  ungodly  as  in 
a  wine  press,  in  his  fury,  for  his  seed's  sake ;  who  hath  said  to  us  his 
babes  and  children,  concerning  our  oppressors,  fear  ye  not  the  face  of 
man,  nor  the  revilings  and  threatenings  of  the  sons  of  men,  whose  breath 
is  in  their  nostrils,  that  shall  be  made  as  grass,  the  moth  shall  eat  them 
up  like  wool;  and  I  will  plead  my  cause  with  them,  in  their  consciences, 
by  my  own  witness,  which  seeth  in  secret,  and  beholds  all  their  ungod- 
ly deeds  and  hard  speeches,  which  they  have  proudly  spoken  against 
me  and  my  people;  for  " vengeance  is  mine,  and  I  will  repay  it,"  saith 
the  Lord. 

Therefore  hear  now,  ye  rulers,  priests,  soldiers,  and  people,  this  day  in 
England,  who  are  brewing  your  hands  in  the  blood  of  the  innocent,  and 
let  me  reason  with  you  concerning  these  things.  What  was  Cain  and 
his  way,  to  which  the  wo  belongs  to  this  day?  Was  he  not  of  the  wicked 
one,  who  slew  his  brother  about  worship  and  sacrifice?  And  are  not 
they  of  the  wicked  one,  the  murderer  from  the  beginning,  that  do  so 
now?  Let  God's  witness  in  you  answer.  And  what  was  Balaam  and  his 
way,  who  loved  the  wages  of  unrighteousness,  whose  madness  and  folly 
the  dumb  ass  with  man's  voice  reproved  ?  If  you  have  ears  to  hear,  hear; 
for  many  that  have  been  as  dumb,  rode  upon  by  you  and  your  prede- 
cessors, begin  now  to  speak  with  man's  voice.  And  are  not  you  and 
your  teachers  found  in  Cain's  way,  and  Balaam's  way  ?  Will  not  you 
murder,  and  rob,  and  banish,  and  imprison,  and  persecute  about  sacrifice 
and  worship?  Is  not  this  Cain's  way  and  Balaam's  way?  Do  not  flat- 
ter yourselves,  nor  daub  with  untempered  mortar;  but  let  the  witness 
of  the  just  God  arise  and  answer,  which  will  speak  the  truth;  which  will 
be  as  a  worm  and  moth  in  the  heart  and  bowels  of  the  ungodly  and 
hypocrites  for  ever,  if  you  repent  not  with  speed.  If  your  common  prayers, 
and  homilies,  and  organs  be  the  fruit  of  your  ground,  can  you  not  offer 
it  to  your  God,  and  be  content?  Or  will  not  your  God  accept  it  at  your 
hands,  without  you  murder,  rob,  and  persecute  us,  who  offer  unto  our 
God  male  and  firstling  of  our  flock,  which  opens  the  womb,  holy  to  the 
Lord?  "If  you  do  well,  shall  you  not  be  accepted?  but  if  not,  sin  lieth 
at  your  door;"  like  Cain,  whose  countenance  fell,  who  was  wroth,  and 
slew  his  brother.  Consider  these  things;  for  you  have  either  a  wicked 
god,  the  devil,  the  god  of  this  world,  or  your  sacrifices  are  wicked  and 
abominable,  or  you  offer  them  with  wicked  hands.  For  God  said  unto  Cain, 
"Why  art  thou  wroth?  and  why  has  thy  countenance  fallen?  if  thou  dost 
well,  shalt  thou  not  be  accepted?  but  if  not,  sin  lieth  at  the  door."  And  con- 
sider your  state  now,  you  that  can  sing,  and  pray,  and  murder  about  it, 
and  make  laws  against  the  true  worshippers  of  the  living  God  in  spirit  and 


158 


truth,  and  see  what  you  are  doing,  and  how  far  you  are  out  of  Cain's 
way,  and  the  Pharisees'  way,  who  could  pay  tythe,  and  fast  twice  a  week, 
and  make  long  prayers,  or  common  prayers,  as  well  as  you,  (and  kill 
Christ  Jesus  and  his  disciples,)  who  had  the  Latin,  Greek  and  Hebrew 
as  well  as  you;  and  see  what  you  differ  from  them,  and  whether  you  are 
not  of  the  same  seed  of  evil  doers;  and  let  the  witness  of  the  dreadful 
God  judge  in  this  matter,  who  will  not  be  mocked  with  your  sacrifices, 
and  prayers,  and  will  worships,  and  feigned  humiliations — it  is  all  abomi- 
nation to  him.    Therefore  repent,  lest  while  you  rejoice  in  the  sound  of 
your  organs,  he  sweep  you  down  to  hell.  And  be  awakened  to  judgment, 
and  arise,  and  behold  the  great  controversy  which  is  at  this  day  between 
Cain  and  Abel,  Christ  and  antichrist,  light  and  darkness,  righteousness 
and  unrighteousness,  truth,  and  deceit  and  wickedness — what  shall  I 
say  of  it?  but  in  plainness — between  God  and  the  devil,  the  lamb  and 
the  dragon,  Michael  the  archangel  and  the  devil  and  his  angels.  And 
consider  and  see, of  whose  side  ye  now  are,  and  whether  you  are  not  they 
of  whom  Enoch,  the  seventh  from  Adam,  prophesied,  and  Jude  declared, 
"ungodly  men,  raging  waves  of  the  sea,  foaming  out  your  own  shame, 
speaking  evil  of  things  you  know  not;  filthy  dreamers,  walking  after  your 
own  ungodly  lusts;  the  mockers  and  scoffers  in  these  last  days,  speaking 
evil  of  dignities,  and  despising  dominion,"  (even  the  sons  and  children  of 
the  most  high  God,  and  their  kingdom  and  dominion,  which  hath  no  end, 
of  which  Abel  and  Enoch  were,  whose  life  and  kingdom  you  know  not,) 
"who  of  old  were  ordained  to  this  condemnation;  heady,  high  minded, 
self-willed,  lovers  of  pleasures  more  than  lovers  of  God."    And  whether 
you  are  not  those  "wells  without  water,  and  clouds  without  rain,  car- 
ried about  with  a  tempest;  having  a  form  of  religion,  but  denying  the 
power  of  God,"  and  persecute  them  that  live  in  it? 

And  whether  you  are  not  the  heathen  that  live  at  ease,  with  whom 
God  is  very  sore  displeased,  which  help  forward  the  affliction  of  his 
people.  Read  your  state  and  your  portion,  Zech.  i.  15.  Zeph.  i.  15,  16, 
17,  18,  &c.  And  whether  you  are  not  them  "  that  chant  at  the  sound 
of  the  viol,  and  drink  wine  in  bowls,  and  eat  the  lambs  out  of  the  flocks, 
and  anoint  yourselves  with  the  chief  ointments,  inventing  to  yourselves 
instruments  of  music  like  David,  and  are  not  grieved  for  the  afflictions 
of  Joseph,  putting  far  away  the  evil  day,  and  causing  the  seat  of  vio- 
lence and  oppression  to  come  near,  which  rejoice  in  a  thing  of  nought." 
Read  Amos  vi.,  and  within  with  God's  witness  in  your  consciences,  and 
then  behold  us  in  your  jails,  holes,  and  stinking  places  of  cruelty,  who 
are  a  poor  and  an  afflicted  people,  whose  trust  is  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  concerning  us,  who  tremble  at  his 
word :  "  I  will  appear  to  your  joy,  and  they  that  hate  you  shall  be 
ashamed;  and  I  will  lead  Joseph  like  a  flock,  and  set  the  solitary  in 


150 


families,  and  they  shall  rejoice  in  my  highness,  and  sing  for  the  glory 
of  my  majesty;  and  I  will  joy  over  them,  and  rejoice  to  do  them  good. 
But  as  for  you,  your  wresting  of  judgment,  and  your  turning  of  things 
upside-down,  and  your  sword  backward,  shall  be  rewarded  upon  your 
own  heads;  for  as  you  have  oppressed  and  led  into  captivity  my  people, 
and  break  your  words  and  covenants,  and  your  promises  and  engage- 
ments, conforming  them  and  their  worship  of  me  the  living  God,  which 
is  in  the  spirit  and  truth,  (which  shall  not  be  limited,)  even  so  shall  you 
be  oppressed,  and  go  into  captivity,  and  be  dealt  treacherously  with. 
For,  with  the  same  measure  you  mete  to  them,  shall  others  mete  to  you 
again."  And  who  do  you  think  will  keep  their  oaths,  covenants,  pro- 
mises, and  engagements,  to  them  that  are  false  in  their  own  to  others? 
Consider  these  things;  for  because  of  swearing  and  forswearing,  promising 
and  treacherous  dealings,  covenanting  and  breaking  of  the  same,  the 
land  mourns,  and  will  mourn,  until  the  spirit  of  lies,  deceit,  and  false- 
hood, is  banished  from  amongst  you.  But  the  proverb  is  true,  "  The 
tongue  of  the  just  is  as  choice  silver:  but  the  heart  of  the  wicked  is  little 
worth," — much  less  their  words. 

What  are  you?  Or  what  is  your  power?  Or  whence  came  you,  that 
you,  in  your  generation,  should  deal  thus  treacherously  with  God  and 
man,  to  grind  the  faces  of  the  poor,  and  eat  up  my  people  like  bread, 
and  slay  them,  and  chop  their  flesh  as  for  the  chaldron?  Will  not  blood 
be  required  at  the  hand  of  him  that  sheds  it?  Have  not  many  of  my 
children  suffered  to  death  by  your  cruel  imprisonments,  and  knockings 
down  in  their  meetings  to  wait  upon  me,  who  had  no  other  end  but  to 
worship  me,  as  I  am  witness  between  you  and  them  forever?  Was  not 
the  death  of  Uriah  laid  to  David's  charge,  though  he  slew  him  not  with 
his  own  hands,  but  consented  to  it,  and  restrained  it  not,  who  had  the 
power  in  his  hand?  And  shall  not  my  witness  in  you  be  the  Nathan  in 
your  particular  consciences,  and  say,  "thou  art  the  man,  for  thou  con- 
sentedst  to  it,  and  restrained  it  not,  when  the  power  was  in  thy  hands." 
Consider  these  things  before  it  be  too  late,  and  your  day  pass  as  the  chaff 
before  the  wind;  for  I  the  Lord  God  am  jealous  for  Sion,  with  great 
jealousy,  and  I  will  plead  her  cause  with  all  her  enemies. 

Or,  will  your  saying,  "we  have  a  law  or  an  act  of  parliament,  and  by 
our  law  or  act  they  ought  not  to  meet  above  four  or  five;  and  by  our 
law  they  ought  to  be  imprisoned,  or  banished,  or  they  ought  to  die,  or 
abjure  the  land,"  save  you  in  the  day  of  my  fury,  saith  the  Lord?  Will 
your  king's  laws,  or  queen's  laws,  or  parliament's  laws  or  decrees,  stand 
you  instead,  help,  hide  or  save  you,  when  I  shall  descend  upon  you  in 
flames  of  fire,  rendering  vengeance  on  all  them  that  obey  not  my  law 
and  gospel,  written  and  preached  in  the  heart  of  every  man  and  woman 
under  heaven  ?    Or  will  your  lying  indictments  and  warrants  plead  for 


160 


you,  in  which  you  say,  my  people  meet  in  force  of  arms,  in  contempt  of 
the  king,  his  crown  and  dignity?  Or  will  your  writing  them  dangerous, 
seditious,  and  wicked  sectaries,  and  disloyal  persons,  cover  you?  Will  not 
all  England's  sober  people  give  you  the  lie  in  these  things,  who  know 
our  manner  and  conversation  among  them?  Yea,  and  will  not  the 
witness  of  God  in  your  own  consciences  testify  the  same  with  them? 
Or  will  Elizabeth's  35th  statute,  or  she  herself  rise  from  the  dead,  to 
keep  off  my  vengeance,  that  is  hastening  upon  you  for  your  lies,  injustice, 
and  cruelty?  Will  your  writing  the  assemblies  of  my  people,  unlawful, 
make  them  so  in  my  sight?  Was  not  Daniel's  prayer  unlawful,  and  the 
apostles  preaching  forbidden  by  the  rulers?  but  was  it  so  in  my  sight? 
Judge  ye.  Might  not  they  have  said,  as  well  as  you,  "they  break  the 
peace  of  kings  and  people?"  Were  there  not  great  stirs  and  tumults  in 
all  ages  about  my  people,  against  them  in  whom  my  spirit  of  truth  was 
manifest?  Could  the  whole  land  bear  my  servant  Amos'  words?  Consider, 
what  peace  is  broken,  or  against  what  peace  are  my  people,  whose 
weapons  are  not  carnal?  And  what  people  are  terrified  by  them  or  their 
meetings  in  my  name  and  fear,  in  truth  and  righteousness,  as  you  have 
written,  (to  the  great  terror  of  the  people,)  by  your  lies,  to  render  them 
odious?  and  let  my  witness  in  you  answer;  for  1  am  not  come  to  send 
peace  on  earth,  but  a  sword,  and  a  fire,  which  is  already  kindled,  and 
you  shall  never  be  able  to  quench  it.  For  I  have  raised  my  seed  in  my 
children,  and  have  placed  them  as  a  brazen  wall  in  the  midst  of  nations 
against  the  flood  of  ungodliness,  idolatry  and  wickedness,  else  you  had 
ere  this  been  destroyed  as  Sodom ;  in  whom  I  will  manifest  my  terrible 
power  and  kingdom,  which  hath  no  end,  against  the  devil's  power  and 
kingdom,  which  must  end;  against  oppression  and  oppressors,  murder  and 
murderers,  injustice,  cruelty,  idolatry,  and  hypocrisy,  and  all  manner 
of  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men:  which  power  shall  grind  the 
grinders  and  bruise  the  bruisers  and  oppressors  of  my  people,  and  shall 
tread  upon  princes  as  upon  mortar.  For  I  am  arisen,  and  come  and  coming 
in  thousands  and  ten  thousands  of  my  saints  and  children,  who  tremble 
at  my  word,  to  convince  all  that  are  ungodly  of  their  ungodly  deeds  and 
hard  speeches,  and  to  execute  my  judgments  upon  the  rebellious  and 
gainsaying  generation.  And  I  will  gather  my  lambs  into  my  bosom, 
and  the  seed  of  Jacob  into  their  own  land,  and  the  meek  shall  inherit  the 
earth,  and  the  poor  in  spirit  shall  possess  my  everlasting  kingdom ;  against 
which  work,  now  begun,  neither  you  nor  all  the  rulers  of  the  darkness 
of  this  world,  your  kings,  queens,  and  parliaments,  with  their  laws  and 
decrees,  Gog  nor  Magog,  Sodom  nor  Gomorrah,  Egypt,  death  nor  hell, 
with  the  strength  and  gates  of  it,  shall  be  able  to  prevail  or  overcome. 
I  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  made  the  worlds  in  mine 
eternal  word  and  unchangeable  decree,  have  spoken  it. 


161 


Therefore,  these  things  in  the  fear  of  God,  (if  you  have  any,)  and  in 
soberness  consider;  for  it  shall  stand  a  living  testimony,  which  shall  not 
be  made  void,  but  is  dropped  upon  you  as  an  hour  of  God's  visitation,  the 
which  if  you  slight,  and  repent  not  of  your  deeds  and  unrighteous  pro- 
ceedings against  his  people,  you  shall  be  left  without  excuse  in  the  ter- 
rible day  at  hand,  which  hastens  upon  you  as  a  woman  in  travail,  that 
is  ready  to  be  delivered,  and  you  shall  not  escape.  Therefore  prize  your 
time,  and  be  not  proud  nor  rebellious,  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken;  neither 
be  ye  mockers,  lest  your  bands  are  made  strong,  but  believe  and  tremble. 
And  remember  the  king  of  Nineveh,  who  shall  rise  up  in  judgment 
against  this  generation,  and  condemn  it;  for  a  greater  than  Jonah  and 
a  greater  than  Solomon  is  risen  among  us,  who  respecteth  not  the  persons 
of  men,  but  will  plead  with  all  flesh,  which  hath  corrupted  its  way,  by 
fire  and  sword ;  and  the  slain  of  the  Lord  shall  be  many,  even  all  the 
workers  of  iniquity,  which  hate  reproof,  despise  good  counsel,  and  do 
not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

So  this  is  unto  you  a  visitation  and  warning  from  him  that  lives  for 
ever,  of  whose  blood  I  his  servant  am  clear,  having  obeyed  his  voice, 
whether  you  hear  or  forbear. 

I  am  a  travailer  for  Sion's  sake,  and  a  trembler  at  the  word  of  the 
great,  dreadful  God,  the  righteous  judge  of  quick  and  dead,  and  a  fol- 
lower of  the  lamb  through  the  great  tribulations,  loving  not  my  life  to 
the  death  for  his  sake.  Hallelujah,  amen. 

William  Bayly. 

And  friends, — Tell  me  how  you  came  to  be  christians,  and  by  what  law 
you  were  led  to  Christ?  Was  it  queen  Mary's  law  without  you,  or  queen 
Elizabeth's  which  you  now  act  by,  or  was  it  the  new  covenant,  which  God 
made  unto  his  people?  If  these  laws  before  mentioned,  as  queen  Eliza- 
beth's or  Mary's,  be  now  the  school  master,  when  came  they  in  force?  And 
when  was  Moses,  the  just  man,  the  leader  of  the  people  out  of  Egypt, 
and  the  law  which  God  gave  to  him,  disannulled?  And  when  was  the 
covenant  broken  between  Moses  and  God?  Did  not  he  stay  their  wrath 
and  stand  in  the  gap  between  God  and  his  people,  and  prayed  to  God 
for  them,  and  God  heard  his  prayer,  and  his  wrath  was  turned  away 
from  Israel,  whom  Moses  led  out  of  Egypt,  to  be  tried  in  the  wilderness, 
as  many  are  at  this  day  (blessed  be  God)  and  Moses,  the  instrument, 
which  brought  them  thither;  and  cursed  be  they  who  disobey  the  com- 
mand of  God,  given  to  Moses,  which  is  fulfilled  in  Christ  the  elder 
brother,  and  them  that  follow  him,  who  breaketh  not  the  commands  of 

21 


W2 


God  given  to  Moses;  but  fulfilleth  them  in  his  sufferings,  which  is  now 
making  up  at  this  day. 

Have  a  care  what  you  do  in  fighting  against  God  in  his  members,  you 
who  profess  yourselves  to  be  christians — magistrates,  persecutors  of 
others  who  are  members  of  Christ's  body,  who  was  persecuted  by  chief 
priests  and  rulers,  who  professed  they  had  more  knowledge  of  God 
than  them  they  persecuted;  but  their  condemnation  was  the  greater, 
for  that  they  were  sayers,  and  not  doers,  as  many  of  you  are  at  this  day, 
professing  Christ  in  words,  but  serving  an  hypocritical  generation. 

"Wo  to  the  Pharisees,"  saith  Christ;  and  wo  to  the  christians  now, 
who  profess  Christ  in  words  and  in  their  works  and  practices  deny  him; 
who  make  long  prayers,  and  their  hands  full  of  cruelty  and  blood,  and 
make  their  seat  a  place  of  violence,  that  justice  and  truth  cannot  be 
heard;  but  the  simple  and  upright  in  heart  will  learn  judgment.  And 
the  prudent  in  queen  Elizabeth's  and  Mary's  laws,  who  refuse  the  law  of 
God  to  be  their  rule,  will  God  cut  off,  though  calledjustic.es,  chief  priests, 
or  rulers.    Look  ye  to  it,  for  the  hand  of  justice  and  true  judgment  is 
lifted  up,  that  the  heritage  of  God  shall  be  known,  not  by  the  law  of 
queen  Elizabeth  or  Mary,  which  is  now  in  hand,  but  by  Jesus,  the  king 
of  the  Jews,  the  son  of  the  living  God,  the  highest  amongst  men,  the 
greatest  in  the  consciences  of  all  his  people.    "Swear  not  at  all,"  saith 
he  who  is  come  to  be  Lord  in  the  conscience,  and  none  else  shall  rule 
over  his  heritage,  though  now  it  seems  to  be  trampled  upon  by  injustice 
and  unrighteousness,  which  is  acted  by  unrighteous  men,  who  are  but 
as  the  drop  of  a  bucket,  and  dust  before  him.    Therefore,  dread  the 
Lord,  ye  kings  and  rulers,  for  the  judgment  is  now  setting  up,  which 
respecteth  not  the  ways  of  kings;  because  the  hearts  of  kings  are  in  the 
hand  of  the  Lord,  who  can  turn  them,  as  a  river  of  water,  which  way  he 
pleaseth,  and  their  life  is  in  his  hand  as  a  span.  Therefore,  I  say,  dread 
the  Lord  all  flesh;  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  hastens,  and  is  even  at  the 
door. 

To  the  truth  of  which  I  subscribe. 


M,  B. 


Seek  not  by  laws  made  in  man's  will, 

The  blood  of  innocents  to  spill; 

For  if  you  do,  the  law  of  God 

Within  your  heart,  shall  be  the  rod, 

Which  shall  you  smite  with  strokes  full  sore, 

And  you  condemn  forcvermore. 


163 


For  your  decrees,  which  are  unjust, 
They  shall  not  stand,  God's  counsel  must. 
Professions,  words,  and  prayers  long;, 

He  hath  no  pleasure  in; 
Without  the  life  of  righteousness 

All  sacrifice  is  sin. 
The  day  is  broke,  and  God's  just  stroke 

On  hypocrites  must  come; 
Their  many  words  and  carnal  swords, 

Can't  save  them  from  their  doom*  Amen. 


DEEP  CALLETH  UNTO  DEEP; 


Or,  a  visitation  from  on  high  unto  the  breathing  seed  of  Jacob;  which  is  not  satis- 
fed  among  all  the  professions  in  the  earth,  or  with  the  husks  cannot  f  11  its  belly, 
but  is  pinched  with  hunger,  and feels  a  secret  cry  for  the  true  bread,  that  comes 
down  from  heaven,  which  giveth  eternal  life.  Wherein  is  opened,  some  of  the  myste- 
ries of  God^s  kingdom  to  the  clear  understanding  of  the  poor  in  spirit,  to  whom 
it  belongs;  but  to  others  they  are  parables.  Concerning  God,  what  he  is,  and 
where  he  is,  and  of  his  worship,  and  of  the  first  day,  and  the  seventh,  or  sabbath 
day;  also,  showing  plainly  in  what  day  God  is  rightly  and  truly  worshipped; 
and  the  difference  and  character  of  the  true  worshippers  and  false  clearly  de- 
scribed. And  concerning  Christ,  what  he  was  before  the  law,  and  in  the  time 
of  the  law,  to  this  present  time;  and  what,  and  where  he  is  now.  Also,  some- 
thing concerning  the  word,  and  the  gospel,  and  the  scriptures,  and  of  the  body  of 
Christ,  and  resurrection,  and  ascension,  and  of  his  coming  and  reign,  and  of 
the  kingdoms  of  this  world  becoming  his  kingdoms,  fyc.  Which  may  give  much 
satisfaction  to  the  upright  inquiring  mind,  being  given  forth  in  the  true  love 
and  compassions  of  my  breathing  soul,  that  so  the  simple  might  be  turned  to 
hear  the  voice  of  wisdom,  (which  crieth  in  their  streets,)  and  forsake  the  foolish, 
arid  live. 


The  day  spring  from  on  high  hath  visited  us,  to  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  dark' 
ness,  &c. — Luke  i.  78,  79. 


Or  THE  FALL  AND  RESTORATION,  &C. 

If  man,  who  was  made  upright,  after  God's  own  image,  had  never 
sinned  or  transgressed  againsMiim.  there  had  been  no  need  of  sacrifice  and 
offerings  for  sin,  or  of  a  saviour  from  it.  If  man  had  never  fallen  from  the 
knowledge  of  God,  and  lost  unity  and  peace  with  him,  through  disobe- 
dience against  his  word  of  command,  and  so  become  degenerate,  there 
had  been  no  need  of  a  restoration,  reconciliation,  or  of  salvation.  If  man 
had  never  gone  into  darkness,  out  of  the  right  way  of  blessedness  and 
everlasting  happiness,  there  had  been  no  need  of  preaching  or  declaring 
the  way,  which  is  the  light,  to  lead  him  out  of  darkness  into  the  way 
of  peace  and  unity  with  God  again.  If  there  had  not  been  a  departure 
from  the  invisible  God,  who  is  a  spirit  of  truth  and  righteousness,  there 
had  been  no  need  to  say  to  the  sons  of  men,  "Return,  why  will  ye  die?" 
if  death  were  not  the  end  of  that  path  which  leads  from  God,  the  invi- 


165 


sible  fountain  of  life.  If  man  had  never  been  in  bondage  and  captivity 
to  sin,  and  satan  the  author  of  it,  there  had  not  been  need  to  have  men- 
tioned or  declared  of  redemption  and  freedom  from  it,  &c. 

But  seeing,  as  the  scripture  saith,  all  have  sinned  and  fallen  short  from 
the  glory  of  God;  and  death  hath  passed  upon  all  men;  and  darkness  hath 
covered  the  earth,  and  gross  darkness  the  people;  and  a  vail  hath  been 
over  the  face  of  all  nations;  and  blindness  hath  happened  to  Israel,  so 
that  the  ox  and  the  ass  have  more  knowledge  of  their  owner,  than  they 
of  the  Lord  their  maker;  and  all  have  gone  out  of  the  way  of  peace, 
(which  was  the  good  old  way  before  transgression  was,)  and  the  fear  of 
God  was  not  before  their  eyes,  as  it  is  written,  and  the  true  voice  of 
God  the  shepherd  hath  scarcely  been  understood  by  dream,  vision,  or 
prophet.  Man  hath  been  so  degenerate  by  the  deep  sleep  of  ignorance, 
wilfulness,  and  perverseness,  from  the  pure  God  and  his  ways,  that  it  is 
hard  to  be  uttered  by  the  tongue  of  men  or  angels.  The  invisible  eye, 
that  only  sees  God,  hath  been  so  blinded,  and  the  wrong  eye  hath  been 
opened,  in  the  imaginations  and  in  the  visibles,  that  it  hath  been  frequent 
among  the  children  of  men  to  call  good  evil,  and  evil  good,  to  put  light 
for  darkness,  and  darkness  for  light,  because  the  God  of  this  world  hath 
blinded  the  eye ;  and  then  by  the  blind,  both  leaders  and  followers,  he 
himself  is  worshipped  as  God,  even  that  wicked  one  which  leads  out 
from  God ;  and  then  exalted  himself  in  man  the  temple  of  God,  govern- 
ing and  ruling  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  disobedience.  And  this  great 
whore  hath  sat  and  reigned  over  nations,  kindreds,  and  tongues,  and  the 
kings  of  the  earth;  and  this  is  that  antichrist  whom  the  Lord  will  con- 
sume with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  destroy  by  the  brightness  of  his 
coming,  which  day  is  at  hand. 

But  now,  seeing,  as  I  said,  it  is  and  hath  been  thus,  as  before  men- 
tioned, all  have  been  concluded  under  sin,  and  in  the  bondage  of  cor- 
ruption, darkness,  and  ignorance,  where  the  mysteries  of  God  and 
godliness  have  been  hid,  and  the  way  of  peace  not  known,  being  de- 
parted from  by  transgression,  which  is  the  only  ground  of  separation 
between  God  and  man,  who  thereby  is  captivated,  and  become  as  sold 
under  it;  so  that  without  being  awakened  by  the  voice  of  the  son  of 
God,  and  made  alive,  and  redeemed  from  transgression,  and  reconciled 
to  God  again,  man  will  utterly  perish  from  God's  comfortable,  refresh- 
ing presence,  and  be  forever  driven  into  darkness,  where  they  shall  never 
see  light,  but  to  their  perpetual  torment  and  anguish.  This  will  be  the 
portion  of  them  who  know  not  God,  nor  desire  the  knowledge  of  his 
ways.  Therefore,  there  is  a  necessity  of  a  restorer,  a  redeemer,  and 
saviour,  for  them  who  are  sensible  of  this  their  fallen,  captivated,  and 
miserable  state;  for  while  man  is  in  this  state,  he  neither  knows  God, 
nor  his  worship,  but  this  inscription  is  written  upon  all  their  altars,  their 


106 

prayers,  sacrifices,  and  worships,  "To  the  unknown  God."  "For  no  man 
knows  the  things  of  God,  hut  by  the  spirit  of  God,"  though  they  may 
imagine  and  talk  about  them,  in  their  darkened  minds;  and  none  have 
received  the  spirit  of  God,  so  as  to  know  his  doctrine  and  worship,  but 
they  who  turn  and  have  turned  at  its  reproof,  which  is  in  the  inward 
parts;  which  reproofs  are  because  of  transgression,  that  it  may  be  turned 
from,  which  is  the  only  ground  and  cause  of  the  separation  from  God, 
and  of  the  ignorance  of  his  will,  ways,  and  worship  which  is  in  the 
spirit  and  in  the  truth;  which  no  man  can  know,  or  comprehend,  or 
walk  in  acceptably,  but  by  the  guidance  and  direction  of  God's  good 
spirit,  which  is  the  leader  of  his  children  and  people  into  all  truth  and 
righteousness. 

So  now,  seeing  there  is  a  necessity  of  a  saviour,  to  help  and  restore, 
redeem,  and  reconcile  man  unto  God  again,  and  of  a  way  to  enjoy  that 
happiness,  and  blessedness  again  which  was  once  lost  by  disobedience 
and  transgression ;  and  that  unity  and  peace  with  God  must  again  be 
witnessed,  or  else  all  the  talk  of  hope,  faith,  worships,  or  religions,  are 
but  in  vain;  except  the  soul,  which  is  in  man  invisible  and  immortal, 
comes  to  enjoy  the  invisible,  eternal  God  again,  in  a  full,  free,  true,  sa- 
tisfactory, endless  life.  Therefore,  it  remains  that  this  saviour,  or  the 
way  of  this  salvation,  be  plainly  made  known,  described,  or  characterized 
to  the  understanding  of  the  simple,  that  the  hungerers  and  thirsters 
after  righteousness,  who  are  weary  and  heavy  laden,  may  come  unto 
him  and  be  refreshed;  which  by  the  help  of  God's  good  spirit  of  grace, 
(by  which  it  is  put  in  my  heart,  and  brought  to  my  remembrance,)  I 
shall  endeavour  to  do  to  that  end,  and  that  God  may  be  glorified,  being 
rightly  known  and  worshipped.  In  which  I  have  my  reward  from  him 
and  in  him,  who  worketh  in  me  both  to  will  and  to  do  according  to  his 
good  pleasure. 

Now,  this  may  seem  to  the  wisdom  in  some,  needless  to  treat  of,  or 
speak  of  those  things  by  way  of  information,  direction,  or  doctrine, 
which  have  been  so  common,  and  frequently  declared  and  published  in 
these  days,  in  which  most  are  ready  to  say  in  these  countries,  "We  are 
christians,  and  believe  all  these  already,  and  these  things  have  been 
daily  taught  in  our  streets,"  or  the  like;  "and  these  are  no  new  things 
to  our  ears,  but  that  which  we  have  heard  of  old,  or  from  the  begin- 
ning," &c. 

Now,  mark  my  words,  and  give  good  heed  unto  that  which  followeth; 
for  they  shall  stand  fast,  answering  the  witness  of  God  in  all,  as  a  nail 
in  a  sure  place,  and  they  shall  speak  as  the  oracle  of  God. 


107 


Concerning  the  knowledge,  of  God;  his  worship;  and  of  the  First 
Day  and  the  Seventh  Day,  or  Sabbath  Day,  $c. 

First,  as  to  the  matter  in  hand,  at  which  1  at  present  aim,  it  is  to  speak 
somewhat  to  your  understandings  concerning  what  God  is,  and  where 
he  is,  and  what  his  worship  is,  and  where  and  how  he  is  to  be  worship- 
ped, and  by  whom  he  is  only,  truly,  and  acceptably  worshipped.  For 
this  was  the  occasion  of  what  follows,  or  rather,  the  spirit  of  God  in  my 
heart  took  occasion  to  give  forth  these  things  unto  public  view,  by  hear- 
ing a  dispute  or  controversy  between  two  teachers  amongst  the  people 
called  Baptists,  near  Amersham  in  Buckinghamshire,  whose  names,  ac- 
cording to  information  by  inquiry,  were  Thomas  Tillham  and  Joseph 
Ciech,  concerning  the  day  or  time  in  which  God  was  to  be  worshipped; 
one  seemins;  to  hold  for  the  first  day  of  the  week,  and  Tillham  for  the 
seventh  day.    At  which  time,  I,  being  there  by  chance,  had  spoken 
something  among  them  of  these  things,  if  I  had  not  been  prevented  by 
being  thrown  down  by  some  of  the  ruder  sort  amongst  them,  which 
was  through  the  occasion  of  that  Thomas  Tillham,  who  said  he  would 
not  stay  in  the  house  if  I  was  suffered  to  speak  amongst  them;  and  also 
said  that  my  words  came  from  the  spirit  of  the  devil,  when  I  began  to 
speak  in  the  spirit  of  God.    So  they  could  do  no  less  in  obedience  to 
the  intent  of  his  words,  but  to  pull  me  down,  or  hale  me  out  of  the 
house;  for  he  was  much  in  fury,  and  the  mark  of  Cain  I  beheld  in  his 
face.    But  I  have  the  witness  in  myself,  that  the  bowels  of  God's  love 
in  me  was  even  yearning  towards  the  simple-hearted  amongst  them, 
whom  I  saw  were  led  in  ignorance,  darkness,  and  blindness,  by  their 
blind  leaders,  which  cause  them  to  err  more  and  more  from  the  way  of 
the  Lord,  by  darkening  his  secret  counsel  in  them,  with  their  many 
\yords  without  knowledge;  and  for  their  sakes  did  the  Lord  begin  to 
open  my  mouth  in  his  fear,  power,  and  wisdom,  to  speak  concerning  the 
things  that  belong  to  their  everlasting  peace,  of  which  now  the  Lord 
hath  given  me  an  opportunity  to  write,  that  he  may  forever  be  clear 
of  all  their  blood,  and  be  justified  by  them.  And  this  they  shall  acknow- 
ledge was  his  love  and  mercies  unto  their  souls,  in  the  day  of  visitation 
which  is  at  hand,  whether  they  hear  or  forbear. 

The  character  of  true  worship,  and  of  false  worship  and 
worshippers. 

And  now  take  notice  of  this  one  thing  following,  by  the  way,  and  con- 
sider it,  and  the  effects  of  it  which  have  been  very  frequently  amongst 


168 


the  sons  of  men,  in  the  cloudy  and  dark  days  of  apostacy  from  Christ 
and  the  apostle's  life;  which  is,  of  worshipping  a  God  they  know  not, 
or  without  the  true  knowledge  of  him  whom  they  worship,  «&c.  For 
in  this  state  and  spirit  hath  lodged  the  very  root  and  ground  of  all 
errors  and  discord,  strife  and  confusion,  persecution  and  cruelty  about 
religion  and  worship,  where  they  have  killed  and  destroyed  one  another 
about  it. 

In  this  state  were  the  Athenians,  and  the  shrine-makers  of  Diana, 
who  persecuted  the  true  worshippers,  who  knew  the  God  whom  they 
worshipped,  and  declared  him  unto  them  who  arose  up  against  them. 
Therefore,  beware  of  their  altar  and  inscription,  "To  the  unknown 
God,"  whom  they  did  ignorantly  worship,  as  many  do  now,  who  are  in 
enmity  against  the  true  worshippers,  who  can  say,  to  the  praise  of  God, 
as  our  elder  brother  did,  "We  know  what  we  worship,  for  salvation  is 
of  the  Jews,"  and  he  is  a  Jew  that  is  one  inwardly.  So  the  character 
of  a  true  worshipper  is  to  know  God  first,  then  to  worship  him  in  the 
spirit  of  truth,  which  only  gives  that  knowledge.  And  the  character  of 
a  false  worshipper  is  contrary,  worshipping  first,  not  knowing  what, 
nor  whom  he  worships,  which  is  not  accepted  now,  nor  never  can  be; 
seeing  the  hour  is  come,  that  they  only  are  the  true  and  acceptable 
worshippers,  who  worship  the  Father  in  the  spirit,  and  in  the  truth;  for 
such  only  he  seeketh  to  worship  him.    John  iv.  21,  22,  23,  24. 

To  know  the  true  and  living  God, is  the  great  and  needful  thing,  without 
which  all  worship,  sacrifice,  and  religion,  are  vain,  though  a  man  or  peo- 
ple had  all  the  words  of  scriptures  from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  and 
were  in  the  highest  profession  of  Christianity  in  the  world,  yet  if  he  do 
not  truly  know  God,  he  is  but  in  darkness  even  until  now;  and  he  that 
saith  "he  knows  God,  or  loves  God,  and  yet  hates  his  brother,  is  a  liar." 
Therefore,  to  be  contented  to  worship  an  unknown  God,  or  to  worship 
they  know  not  what,  is  very  blind,  ignorant,  false,  and  erroneous.  But 
if  thou  comest  first  to  know  God,  then  thou  art  in  the  right  way  of  a 
true  worshipper,  as  may  be  mentioned  more  hereafter;  and  seeing  the 
right  way  to  worship  God,  or  to  be  a  true  worshipper,  is  first  to  know 
him  whom  they  worship,  therefore  it  is  necessary  to  speak  next  what 
God  is,  as  I  said  before,  and  then  where  he  is,  and  how  he  may  be 
known,  and  then  what,  and  wherein  his  only  worship  is,  and  who  are 
the  only  true,  acceptable  worshippers;  seeing  there  are  many  false  and 
vain  worships,  and  worshippers,  that  know  not  God,  nor  his  day  in 
which  he  is  only  worshipped. 


16!) 


Concerning  God,  what  he  is,  and  where  he  is,  fyc. 

''God  is  light" — this  is  our  message,  which  was  from  the  beginning — 
•'and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all."  This  is  his  name,  he  that  can  hear 
and  receive  it  let  him;  with  whom  is  no  variableness  nor  shadow  of 
changing.  He  is  that  I  am,  that  sent  Moses  to  deliver  Israel,  to  whom 
he  spake  in  a  bush,  that  burned,  and  was  not  consumed;  but  Moses  saw 
no  similitude,  only  he  heard  a  voice,  and  so  forbade  them  (by  God's 
command)  to  make  to  themselves  any  like  less  or  image  of  any  thing 
in  heaven  or  earth,  to  worship.  Read  in  the  life  of  God,  which  is  invi- 
sible, whose  voice  may  be  heard,  sayii'g,  "To  what  will  ye  liken  me? 
does  not  my  presence  fill  heaven  and  earth?  or  what  house  will  ye 
build  for  me?  and  where  is  the  place  of  my  worship  or  rest?  or  the 
day  which  I  have  sanctified  throughout  all  generations?"  And  this 
same  God,  which  spake  unto  Moses,  was  the  God  of  his  fathers,  (which 
were  before  Moses  was  born,  or  the  law  written  in  tables  of  stone,  or 
the  outward  days  or  ceremonies  were,)  even  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and 
of  Jacob,  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living ;  (mark  that !)  and 
the  living  it  is,  that  can  only  praise  and  worship  him.  He  that  hath 
an  car  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 

And  this  same  invisible  God,  of  which  no  similitude  must  be  made, 
is  a  spirit  of  light,  life,  truth,  and  righteousness  in  himself,  holy  and  in- 
corruptible, &c,  and  so  is  his  worship  in  the  spirit,  and  in  the  truth, 
which  is  witnessed  in  the  hearts  of  such  as  are  quickened  and  made 
alive  by  his  power  and  spirit  in  their  inward  parts ;  who  can  now  say 
to  the  professors  of  this  age,  as  our  elder  brother  did  unto  the  woman 
of  Samaria,  though  they  think  themselves  in  a  better  state,  for  she  was 
then  saying  in  her  simplicity,  "Our  fathers  worshipped  in  this  moun- 
tain, and  ye  say  that  Jerusalem  is  the  place  where  men  ought  to  wor- 
ship, "&c.  But  he  answered  and  said,  "  Woman,  believe  me,  the  hour 
cometh,  when  ye  shall  neither  in  this  mountain,  nor  yet  at  Jerusalem 
worship  the  Father;  ye  worship  ye  know  not  what,"  &c.  (This  is  a  hard 
saying,  can  the  Jews  and  Samaritans  of  our  age  bear  it  ?)  "God  is  a 
spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him  in  the  spirit  and 
in  the  truth." 

But  some  wise  professors  might  say  unto  me,  who  knows  not  this? 

But  I  say,  be  not  hasty  or  wilful,  but  stand  still,  and  make  diligent 
search  in  thy  own  closet,  and  see  whether  thou  art  yet  come  to  the 
spirit,  and  to  the  truth,  (which  is  but  one,)  and  in  it  dost  worship  God, 
in  which  only  is  the  true  worship.  For  he  that  talked  with  this  wo- 
man, that  was  able  to  distinguish  by  her  knowledge,  between  the  way 
of  the  Jews  and  Samaritans,  telling  her  all  that  ever  she  did,  was  the 
very  Christ,  (read  in  the  book  of  thy  conscience.)  Which  made  her  leave 

22 


170 


her  water  pot,  as  he  hath  many  of  us,  who  were  as  high  in  knowledge 
as  she,  when  we  perceived,  he  was  the  prophet  of  which  Moses  wrote, 
whom  all  are  to  hear;  that  ends  the  types  and  temples  made  with 
hands  at  Jerusalem,  and  Samaria's  mountain,  where  their  fathers  wor- 
shipped, &c.  But  he  is  to  he  obeyed  now,  who  said,  "The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  within  you,"  who  drives  all  his  in  this  path,  to  within ;  in 
the  spirit,  and  in  the  truth;  for  they  only  know  what  they  worship: 
"for  salvation  is  of  the  Jews ;"  and  he  is  the  Jew  that  is  one  inwardly, 
whose  heart  is  circumcised  to  worship  God  in  the  spirit;  whose  praise 
is  of  God,  though  unknown,  despised,  or  persecuted  of  men. 

So  now  I  say  to  you,  who  are  contending  and  disputing  about  the 
seventh  and  first  day  outwardly,  in  which  of  those  God  is  to  be  wor- 
shipped, being  divided  about  days  and  times,  and  outward  worship: 
one  party  for  one  day,  and  the  other  part  for  another  day,  &c.  not 
knowing  what  or  which  day  to  worship  in,  like  the  Jews  and  Samari- 
tans; for  that  was  the  parallel  which  came  into  my  heart  from  God, 
concerning  you  both;  of  which  I  had  spoken  something,  (as  I  said  before,) 
had  you  been  peaceable,  like  christians,  at  the  church  of  God,  where 
the  first  is  to  hold  his  peace,  when  any  thing  is  revealed  from  God  to 
him  that  standeth  by,  &c;  which  was  truly  in  me,  but  some  of  you 
were  so  rude  with  noises,  (more  like  bear-baiters  than  christians,)  that 
my  words  should  not  be  heard  amongst  you,  like  them  that  stopped  their 
ears  and  gnashed  their  teeth  against  Stephen,  which  especially  was 
through  that  Thomas  Tillham,  of  whom  I  was  even  ashamed,  and  of 
your  profession.    And  indeed,  my  heart  could  even  have  been  broken 
for  you,  to  behold  the  blindness  and  ignorance,  enmity  and  wilfulness 
that  were  amongst  you,  which  I  even  marvelled  to  hear  and  see,  in  such 
a  day  as  this  of  God's  revelation  and  manifestation  of  truth  and  love 
amongst  the  children  of  men.    But  I  have  considered,  and  said  in  my 
heart,  how  can  it  be  otherwise  with  you,  than  it  was  with  Babel's 
builders  of  old,  in  confusion;  one  building  up  in  this  meaning,  another 
throwing  down  in  the  other  meaning  and  imagination,  bringing  mortar 
for  brick,  and  brick  for  mortar,  not  understanding  one  another's  mean- 
ing and  language?    And  this  is  just  with  God,  seeing  many  of  you 
have  denied  the  one  pure  language,  which  is  before  Babel,  in  which 
God  is  worshipped  in  one  consent ;  for  it  is  his  hand  that  always  breaks 
and  confounds  the  city  and  tower  which  the  children  of  men  would 
build  in  their  imaginations,  whose  top  they  thought  would  have  reached 
to  heaven.    This  is  your  state,  and  the  Lord  God  will  scatter  you  and 
your  building,  till  there  is  not  one  stone  left  upon  another  in  all  the 
earth;  and  also,  destroy  you  from  being  a  people,  except  you  repent 
with  speed,  and  turn  to  him  that  smites  you  secretly  in  your  consciences, 
for  your  iniquity  and  hypocrisy.    And  this  in  a  word  of  prophecy  from 


171 


the  spirit  of  truth,  which  shall  be  fulfilled  in  a  season  that  is  approach- 
ing. 

And  now,  as  concerning  your  controversy  about  the  time  or  day  in 
which  God  is  to  be  worshipped,  I  have  somewhat  more  to  say,  desiring 
that  you  would  weigh  it  in  the  balance  of  equity;  though  it  might  seem 
a  cross  to  something  in  you,  yet  the  words  of  my  mouth  shall  be  right; 
and  the  mysteries  of  God  are  in  my  heart,  as  a  great  deep  in  this  mat- 
ter, which  would  be  very  large  to  express  in  full  concerning  these 
things,  to  the  clear  understanding  of  them  among  you,  which  indeed 
cannot  be  rightly  known  but  by  the  key  of  David,  which  only  opens 
the  door  of  this  treasury.  And  though  it  may  be  esteemed  a  low  thing 
in  the  eyes  of  the  prudent  of  this  world,  and  be  despised  as  a  day  of 
small  things ;  yet  in  this  mountain  the  Lord  hath  made  unto  us,  his 
children,  a  feast  of  fat  things.  Praise,  glory,  and  everlasting  thanks- 
giving be  unto  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  for  ever 
and  ever. 

Therefore,  now,  that  you  may  understand  these  things,  and  be  rightly 
informed,  mind  first  the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Lord,  and  be  very  still 
and  serious,  with  your  hearts  upright  before  him,  that  you  may  in  very 
deed  and  truth,  perfectly  come  to  know  and  enjoy  the  thing  that  be- 
longs to  your  souls'  everlasting  peace;  and  read  these  things  without 
prejudice,  or  consuming  envy,  which  boils  in  the  breast  of  that  birth 
which  shall  never  inherit  God's  kingdom  of  rest. 

Of  the  Sabbath  day. 

First,  take  notice,  that  the  day  in  which  God  rested  was  sanctified, 
who  commanded,  that  in  it  should  no  manner  of  works  be  done,  and  that 
they  were  not  to  speak  a  vain  word,  nor  think  their  own  thoughts,  neither 
kindle  a  fire,  nor  bear  a  burthen  in  that  day  which  was  commanded  to 
be  kept  holy.  For  indeed  it  is  an  holy  day  in  which  God  rests,  and  in  the 
same  in  which  he  rested  he  dwells  for  evermore ;  for  he  called  the  light 
day,  and  the  darkness  he  called  night:  and  saith  the  scripture,  "God 
dwelleth  in  the  light,  with  whom  is  no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  chang- 
ing." And  this  is  the  first  day  in  which  he  began  his  works ;  and  this 
is  the  last,  in  which  he  finishes,  which  is  sanctified,  in  which  he  rests ; 
and  this  is  that  holy  day,  in  which  a  man,  by  God's  command,  is  forbid 
to  "  speak  a  vain  word,  or  think  his  own  thoughts."  But  this  is  a  mys- 
tery hid  from  them,  in  whose  hearts  the  world  is  so  set,  that  they  know 
neither  the  beginning  nor  end  of  the  work  of  God,  for  saith  Christ  Jesus, 
by  whom  the  world  was  made,  the  beginning  of  the  creation  of  God,  the 
end  and  substance  of  the  types,  days,  figures,  and  shadows,  who  fulfils 


172 


them  and  the  law  that  gave  them  for  their  times  and  seasons:  "  I  am 
the  alpha  and  the  omega,  the  beginning  and  the  ending,  the  first  and 
the  last ;"  who  was  before  all  things,  by  whom  all  things  were  made, 
whose  throne  and  kingdom  must  endure  for  ever;  who  said  "I  am  the 
light  of  the  world."  "  Learn  of  me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and 
youshall  find  rest  unto  your  souls."  And  this  is  thesubstance  of  the  outward 
days  or  sabbaths ;  for  the  word  sabbath  is  rest :  so  that  if  you  will  be 
exact  in  the  observation  of  the  outward  day,  as  the  Pharisees  were, 
which  was  but  a  figure  of  the  inward  rest,  you  must  only  rest  from  all 
manner  of  labour,  or  work  outwardly ;  and  yet  when  that  is  done,  it 
makes  nothing  perfect  as  pertaining  to  the  inward  conscience.  For  the 
Pharisees  judged  Christ  not  sent  of  God,  "  because,"  said  they,  "  he  keep- 
eth  not  the  sabbath,"  and  so  in  their  blind  zeal  judged  him  to  be  a 
transgressor,  who  was  the  very  substance  of  all  those  outward  things, 
and  is  the  only  rest  prepared  for  God's  people ;  and  they  who  have  en- 
tered into  it  have  ceased  from  their  own  works,  as  God  did  from  his ; 
and  such  only  know  the  sabbath  day  which  is  kept  holy  unto  the  Lord, 
in  which  the  vain  words  must  not  be  spoken,  nor  the  vain  thoughts 
lodge :  "for  the  tongue  of  the  just"  in  this  day  "is  as  choice  silver;  but  the 
heart  of  the  wicked,"  which  knows  neither  the  beginning  nor  the  end 
of  the  works  of  God,  "is  little  worth."  But  we  who  have  known  it,  and 
his  wonders  in  the  deep,  (upon  the  face  of  which  the  spirit  of  the  Lord 
did  once  move,)  do  know  right  well,  that  the  same  day  in  which  God 
began  his  works,  is  the  same  in  which  he  completes  it,  and"  in  which  he 
rested,  when  he  had  made  all  things  good  and  blessed.  But  this  is  a 
mystery  to  the  natural  man,  or  that  outward  birth  that  sticks  in  the 
outward  natural  things,  which  cannot  perceive  the  things  of  the  most 
inward  spiritual  God,  and  his  kingdom,  which  is  within,  in  the  invisible 
hidden  man,  which  is  spiritual. 

So  it  is  only  the  pure  in  heart  that  sec  God,  and  know  his  sabbath, 
and  throne,  which  endureth  for  ever;  where  the  vain  thoughts  are 
judged  and  cast  out,  and  not  suffered  to  lodge  within;  for  that  defiles  a 
man,  who  is  God's  temple,  if  the  spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  him;  whose 
fire  is  in  Zion,  and  his  furnace  in  Jerusalem.  Blessed  is  the  eye  that 
sees. 

Therefore,  if  you  would  rightly  know  the  mysteries  of  God  and  god- 
liness, and  of  his  everlasting  kingdom  of  righteousness  and  peace,  to  your 
soul's  satisfaction,  yon  must  enter  in  by  the  door,  and  not  climb  up  an- 
other way,  as  many  have  done  in  their  imaginations ;  which  door  is 
Christ,  the  light,  the  first  day,  that  Jighteth  every  man  that  comethinto 
the  world,  that  all  men  through  him  might  believe.  And  this  is  the 
beginning  of  the  work  of  God,  where  it  is  not  only  given  you  to  believe, 
but  also  to  sutler  for  his  sake  in  whom  you  have  believed;  in  which 


173 


state  you  will  know  the  six  days'  labour  before  the  true  sabbath  be 
witnessed,  wherein  God  resteth  from  his  work.  For,  "  there  is  no  rest 
or  peace  unto  the  wicked,"  saith  my  God.  Therefore  he  that  condemns 
sin  in  the  ilesh,  and  destroys  the  works  of  the  devil,  in  whose  hand  is 
the  law,  which  is  the  school-master,  to  bring  unto  him  who  is  the  end 
of  it  for  righteousness,  to  every  one  that  believeth,  must  needs  be  the 
rest  or  sabbath  to  the  soul.  So,  his  yoke  being  known  upon  you,  and 
the  daily  cross  taken  up  to  the  will  and  ways  of  man,  in  which  he  hath 
walked  in  his  own  thoughts  and  vain  words,  and  the  bridle  to  the 
tongue  witnessed,  without  which  all  religion  is  vain;  here  you  will 
know  some  work,  standing  still  in  awe,  in  which  you  will  learn  in  the 
lowliness  of  heart,  and  in  soberness  of  mind,  to  put  on  the  ornament  of 
a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which,  in  .  God's  sight,  is  of  great  price.  And 
here  you  may  know  the  sabbath  day,  and  also  the  first,  in  which  he 
moved  at  the  beginning  upon  the  face  of  the  deep,  which  is  but  one, 
the  alpha  and  the  omega,  the  true  and  faithful  witness,  the  beginning 
of  the  creation  of  God,  who  is  the  end  of  all  things  at  hand,  who  saith, 
"I  am  the  light,"  "believe  in  the  light;"  and  "before  Abraham  was, 
I  am."    lie  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  spirit  saith. 

So,  come  ye  all  down  to  the  door,  and  enter  in  thereat,  if  you  would 
know  the  sheep-fold,  where  he  makes  his  flock  to  rest  at  noon,  which 
is  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus  in  all  your  consciences;  and  despise  not  the 
day  of  small  things,  though  it  be  but  a  spark,  and  shines  in  a  dark  place, 
it  is  the  sure  word  of  prophecy,  to  which,  if  you  take  heed,  you  will  do 
well.  It  is  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  which  will  let  you  see  all  that  ever 
you  do,  if  you  be  still,  standing  in  awe  and  God's  fear,  in  your  closets, 
out  of  all  reasonings  and  imaginations;  and  this  must  you  come  unto,  to 
know  the  beginning  of  the  work  of  God,  even  the  light  and  spirit  of 
God,  in  which  the  saints  of  old  began,  and  in  which  they  walked.  And 
said  the  apostle  to  the  Galatians,  "  Ye  did  run  well ;  who  did  hinder  you, 
&c?  Ye  began  in  the  spirit,  and  would  you  now  be  made  perfect  by 
the  flesh?"  and  the  spirit  is  within,  and  the  flesh  is  without.  Mark, 
they  began  in  the  spirit,  and  afterwards  ran  into  observations  of  days  and 
months,  and  times,  and  parties,  who  were  saying,  "I  am  of  Paul,  and  I 
am  of  Apollo,"  &c.  "  Arc  ye  not  now  carnal,  and  walk  as  men?  I  am 
afraid  of  you,"  saith  he,  "lest  I  have  bestowed  upon  you  labour  in  vain." 
Yet  he  travails  again  in  birth  with  some  of  them,  that  Christ  may  be 
formed  in  them;  who  is  the  end  of  the  outward  days,  months,  and  years, 
the  wisdom  and  power  of  God,  whose  years  never  fail,  but  is  the  same 
yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever;  the  beginning  and  the  ending  of  the 
works  of  God :  which  is  but  one,  whom  the  heart  in  which  this  world  is, 
and  the  love  of  it,  knows  him  not,  though  he  came  into  it,  and  is  come  into 
it,  and  the  world  was  made  by  him  and  for  him ;  and  he  is  before  all 


174 


things.    Blessed  is  the  man  that  doth  witness  this  in  his  own  particular; 

for  such  only  have  the  comfort  of  the  scriptures,  which  declare  of  these 
things.  Therefore,  come  to  the  spirit  of  God,  which  reproves  the  world 
for  sin,  and  walk  in  the  spirit,  that  it  may  lead  you  into  all  truth,  and 
show  you  things  to  come;  in  which  is  no  occasion  of  stumbling,  or  dis- 
puting about  days  or  times,  meats  or  drinks,  or  the  like ;  but  you  will 
see  plainly  of  the  Father;  and  it  will  take  of  Christ's,  what  he  did  and 
suffered,  and  show  it  unto  you,  that  you  shall  not  need  to  say,  what  is 
this  meaning?  and  what  means  the  other  scripture?  and  the  like;  but 
you  will,  being  faithful,  be  made  partakers  of  his  sufferings  within  and 
without,  and  know  his  death,  when  you  are  made  conformable  unto  it, 
bearing  in  your  body  his  dyings,  that  his  life  may  be  manifest  in  your 
mortal  flesh,  &c. 

This  the  apostles  and  saints  did  and  do  witness,  who  began  in  the 
spirit,  and  walk  in  the  spirit,  and  worship  God  in  the  spirit  and  in  the 
truth,  who  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh ;  but  are  Jews  inwardly, 
whose  circumcision  is  not  outwardly,  of  the  flesh,  but  inwardly,  of  the 
heart  and  of  the  spirit,  which  the  other  was  but  a  type  of,  or  a  shadow, 
as  was  also  the  seventh  or  sabbath  day,  of  the  rest  prepared  for  the  seed 
and  heritage  of  God. 

So,  if  you  would  rightly  know  and  observe  the  day  in  which  God  is 
only  acceptably  worshipped,  come  to  the  light,  which  is  the  first  day, 
and  in  which  God  dwells  for  ever,  and  is  the  last;  as  it  is  written,  "  In 
thy  light,  shall  we  see  light;  for  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life;"  and 
"  the  secrets  of  the  Lord  are  with  them  that  fear  him,  and  he  will  show 
them  his  covenant."    Now,  what  canst  thou  desire  more,  O  man,  than 
the  fountain  of  life?  and  to  know  the  secrets  and  everlasting  covenant 
of  his  mercies  and  loving  kindness,  in  which  are  the  treasures  of  wisdom 
and  knowledge,  which  are  made  manifest  unto  them  who  wait  at  that 
wisdom's  gate  which  was  before  the  hills  were,  whose  voice  cried  in 
the  streets  to  the  simple,  saying,  "Turn  in  hither,  eat  of  my  bread,  and 
drink  of  the  wine  which  I  have  mingled;  forsake  the  foolish,  and  live?" 
Therefore,  take  my  advice  in  God's  counsel,  and  come  now  to  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  and  wait  in  his  light,  which  makes  all  things  manifest;  for 
that  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom's  path,  which  leads  unto  the  perfect 
day  in  which  the  most  holy,  unchangeable,  everlasting  God  is  worship- 
ped. And  out  of  this  there  is  no  true  knowledge  of  him,  or  his  worship, 
or  acceptance  with  him,  or  any  assurance,  stability,  or  satisfaction, 
which  will  endure  for  ever.    And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
you  all:  for  the  hour  is  come,  that  the  true  worshippers  who  know  what 
and  whom  they  worship,  do  worship  God  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth; 
these  are  the  true  worshippers,  who  worship  the  Father;  this  is  the 
children's  worship  that  honour  their  father  and  their  mother,  whose 


I 


175 


days  are  long  in  the  land  of  the  living,  even  the  everlasting  day  which 
■prang  from  on  high. 

So.  all  the  worship  and  sacrifice,  without  the  guidance  of  God's  good 
spirit  of  truth,  are  false.  And  they  that  run,  strive,  and  act  without  it, 
are  false  worshippers,  let  them  profess,  in  words  and  show,  what  they 
will;  for  the  spirit  is  the  guide  of  its  children,  the  true  worshippers,  into 
all  truth,  in  which  they  worship  their  Father,  who  seeketh  such  to  wor- 
ship him.    And  all  such  as  are  not  guided  by  it,  do  run  before  it,  and 
talk  of  the  things  of  God  in  their  dark  understanding  and  sensuality, 
out  of  God's  covenant  of  light,  and  out  of  his  fear,  in  the  contentions  and 
debates,  strivings,  disputings,  and  vain  janglings  about  them,  and  those 
things  that  shall  for  ever,  in  that  state,  be  hid  from  their  eyes.  So  that 
all  people  upon  earth,  in  all  their  professions  of  religion,  without  the 
leadings  of  God's  spirit,  are  at  best  but  will-worshippers,  like  Nimrdd  the 
miehtv  hunter  before  the  Lord,  (and  the  Lord  is  that  spirit,)  the  begin- 
ning of  whose  kingdom  is'Babel,  confusion.  Read  your  state  with  God's 
witness,  the  light  in  all  your  consciences,  which  will  answer  the  truth. 
And  do  not  dissemble,  nor  strive  to  make  coverings,  which  will  be  too 
narrow.    For  it  is  even  so.    The  very  beginning  of  that  kingdom, 
worship,  or  building,  where  the  spirit  of  God  is  not  the  guide  and  leader, 
is  Babel,  and  there  the  mighty  hunter,  who  is  a  mighty  one  in  the 
earthly  comprehension,  goes  before  the  Lord,  that  spirit  which  should 
guide  and  go  before  them.    But  the  day  is  at  hand,  that  Nimrod  and 
his  kingdom,  both  city  and  tower,  which  was  built  in  the  high  imagina- 
tions, must  fall;  and  all  the  untempered  mortar  daubers  shall  fall  with 
it,  and  the  wall  shall  be  no  more  at  all,  nor  them  that  daub  it.  The 
life  of  God  hath  spoken  it,  which  is  come  down  to  confound  the  language 
of  all  the  earth,  and  to  restrain  them  from  what  they  have  imagined 
to  do. 

Therefore,  hear  all  ye  people,  in  whose  hearts  are  any  honest  desires, 
or  true  breathings  after  the  true  and  living  God,  and  the  knowledge  of 
his  ways  and  worship:  come  ye  all  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus,  with  which 
you  are  lighted,  in  which,  as  you  abide,  you  will  come  to  know  the  one 
pure  language  in  which  the  righteous  pure  God  of  truth  is  only  wor- 
shipped with  one  consent,  which  was  before  Babel,  the  many  languages, 
and  before  the  hunters,  confusion,  and  contention  about  these  things 
were.  In  which  you  will  come  to  feel  the  path  of  peace,  and  way  of 
holiness,  in  which  a  fool  shall  not  err;  where  your  immortal  souls  may 
be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness  in  God's  house;  where  the  bread 
is  sure,  and  the  water  fails  not;  who  makes  "rivers  in  the  desert,  and 
the  dryland  springs  of  water,"  and  makes  "the  wilderness  a  fruitful  field," 
and  the  barren  womb  to  bring  forth  many  children,  which  are  "as  olive 


170 


branches  round  about  his  table."  Glory  unto  him  that  liveth  and  reign- 

eth  for  evermore,  in  the  highest,  amen. 

Therefore  come  out  of  Babylon,  come  out  of  Babylon,  (confusion,) 
saith  the  Lord,  come  away  and  stay  not,  but  come  into  Zion,  the  holy 
hill,  and  declare  in  it  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  against  her.  For  the 
arrows  are  ready,  and  the  bow  is  bent  by  the  arms  of  the  Almighty,  that 
shall  sink  Babylon:  therefore  haste,  run,  and  deliver  every  man  his  soul 
out  of  her;  for  God  hath  set  her  on  fire  at  both  ends,  (he  that  can  read  let 
him,)  and  thou  shaft  be  burnt,  O  city  of  confusion !  the  smoke  of  whose 
torment  begins  to  ascend  up,  which  shall  ascend  for  ever  and  ever. 
For  strong  art  thou,  O  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  wilt  judge  and  avenge 
thy  own  cause,  and  of  thy  righteous  seed,  and  the  blood  of  the  martyrs 
of  Jesus  upon  her;  and  thou  hast  said,  the  time  is  at  hand,  that  she  shall 
sink  like  a  mill  stone  in  the  depth  of  the  sea,  and  rise  no  more  at  all; 
therefore  unto  thee  be  the  glory  and  praises,  songs  and  hallelujahs  in 
the  highest,  for  evermore,  for  thou  art  worthy. 

Postscript. — Abel  worshipped  God  in  the  spirit,  and  in  the  truth;  but 
Cain  was  a  false  worshipper,  and  knew  not  God,  who  arose  up  against 
Abel,  his  brother,  and  killed  him  about  worship.  Enoch  walked  with 
God,  and  was  translated;  he  worshipped  God  in  the  spirit  and  in  the 
truth,  and  God  took  him;  and  he  had  a  witness  in  h:m  that  he  pleased 
God.  Abraham  obeyed  God;,  who  rejoiced  to  see  Christ's  day,  the  light, 
and  was  led  out  of  his  own  country  thereby.  He  was  a  true  worshipper 
of  God  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth.  These,  and  many  more,  obeyed 
God,  and  worshipped  God,  and  knew  God,  and  his  day,  in  which  he  is 
worshipped,  before  the  Bible  was  written  which  declares  of  these  things. 

Esau,  the  first  birth,  the  cunning  hunter  abroad,  lost  the  birth-right 
and  blessing;  he  was  a  profane  person.  But  Jacob,  the  plain  man,  the 
second  birth,  which  tarried  at  home,  was  blessed. 

And  saith  the  Scripture,  "Blessed  is  the  man  whose  mind  is  staid  on 
thee,  thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace."  But  the  foolish  woman,  her 
feet  abide  not  in  her  house,  but  she  pulls  it  down  with  her  own  hands ;  be- 
ing without,  loud,  stubborn,  and  clamorous.  These  things  were  written  for 
your  learning,  and  may  be  read  near;  they  are  allegory.  But  let  him 
that  readeth  understand;  for  the  time  hastens  in  which  they  shall  clearly 
be  understood  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

The  Second  Pari,  fyc  Concerning  Christ  Jesus  and  his  names,  <$*c 

As  concerning  Christ  Jesus,  what  he  is,  and  what  he  was,  and  whore 
he  is,  none  know,  or  can  rightly  or  truly  know,  but  such  as  have  received 


177 


the  spirit  of  truth,  which  leads  into  all  truth,  and  shows  the  things  that 
are  and  are  to  come ;  which  reproves  the  world  for  sin,  for  righteousness, 
and  for  judgment;  which  is  the  comforter  of  all  them  who  forsake  their 
sins,  their  own  righteousness,  and  all  false  judgment,  and  put  on  his 
righteousness  and  righteous  judgment,  which  exceeds  that  of  the  Scribes 
and  Pharisees,  who  in  all  ages,  did,  and  do,  shut  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
against  men,  not  entering  themselves,  nor  suffering,  but  persecuting  them 
that  would:  and  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  within,  &c. 

1.  Christ  is  a  name  given  to  some  thing  which  was  before  that  name 
was;  and  Jesus  is  a  name  given  to  the  same  thing;  and  Immanuel,  and 
many  other  names  are  given  to  the  one  self-same  thing,  according  to  the 
discoveries,  operations,  and  manifestations  unto  them  and  in  them,  in 
several  seasons,  who  declared  of  him  according  as  they  witnessed  and 
knew  his  appearances  and  effectual  workings  in  their  inward  parts;  even 
the  holy  men  of  God,  who  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  holy  spirit; 
which  spirit  revealed  the  mysteries  of  godliness  unto  them,  according  to 
his  will,  and  their  several  measures  and  abilities  of  his  gift. 

2.  This  Christ,  of  whom  they  speak,  was  in  the  world  before  the  law, 
and  in  the  time  of  the  law  was  that  mystery  hid  under  all  the  vails  and 
types,  figures  and  shadows,  carnal  ordinances  and  ceremonies ;  in  which 
time  he  was  as  a  seed,  or  that  good  part  or  substance  of  truth  and  righte- 
ousness, hid  in  the  consciences  of  the  children  of  Israel,  which  answered 
the  outward  law  written  in  tables  of  stone.  This  Moses  saw  in  his  day, 
who  received  the  laws,  ordinances,  statutes,  judgments,  and  ceremonies; 
which  were  to  keep  them  in  a  sense  and  in  a  fear  towards  God,  against 
whom  they  had  transgressed;  and  to  keep  them  near  the  feeling  of  his 
tender  seed  and  witness  in  them,  that  they  might  not  be  wholly  hardened 
against  his  appearance,  when  the  time  came  that  he  should  be  mani- 
fest to  Israel,  which  was  the  end  and  substance  of  all  these  outward 
things;  which  once  being  rightly  known  and  obeyed  in  the  inward  parts, 
keeps  the  heart  and  conscience  tender  and  upright,  pure  and  undefiled, 
in  God?s  sight  and  fear,  without  the  precepts  of  men,  shadows  or  cere- 
monies. For,  I  have  seen  that  wisdom  of  God  that  gives  the  interpretation 
of  things,  and  to  understand  the  dark  sayings  of  old,  and  what  was  hid 
in  all  those  ceremonies  in  the  time  of  Moses'  laws.  And  he  that  makes 
known  the  parable,  I  am  sure  is  the  end  and  substance  of  them  all;  in 
whose  light  let  me  speak  of  two  or  three,  which  in  simplicity  have  been 
hid  from  the  wisdom  of  man,  who  cannot  answer  them,  but  as  that 
understanding  is  brought  to  nought;  but  let  that  answer  in  which  thev 
are  given  forth,  and  you  shall  understand  them  with  satisfaction.  And 
my  questions  are  these: — 

h  Why  did  the  Lord  command,  that  when  any  one  found  a  bird's 
nest,  the  dam  was  not  to  be  taken  with  the  voung  ? 

23 


178 

2.  And  thou  shalt  not  seeth  a  kid  in  his  mother's  milk? 

3.  Nor  sow  thy  field  with  divers  sorts  of  seeds'? 

4.  Nor  wear  a  garment  of  linen  and  Woollen  together? 

5.  And  thou  shalt  not  muzzle  the  mouth  of  the  ox  that  treadeth  out 
the  corn,  &c. 

Now,  if  thou  canst  see  with  that  eye  which  Paul  saw,  (who  was  a  fool  for 
Christ,)  when  he  said,  "  Doth  God  take  care  for  oxen?  or,  speaks  he  not 
this  for  our  sakes?  For  our  sakes,  no  doubt,"  &c.  then  thou  wilt  answer, 
doth  God  take  care  for  birds'  nests?  or  the  sowing  of  fields?  or  garments 
of  linen  and  woollen?  or  kids?  or  their  mothers'  milk?  or,  was  there  not 
something  in  all  this  for  our  sakes?  Well,  but  however,  these  things  served 
to  keep  them  in  a  sense  of  the  unknown  seed,  which  suffered  because  of 
the  hardness  of  heart,  and  corrupt  will  of  man  which  had  lost  the  know- 
ledge and  guidance  of  God's  good  spirit;  and  these  things  served  for  a  time, 
even  till  the  fulness  of  time  came,  in  which  the  seed  came  to  be  manifest, 
which  was  Christ,  who  had  been  .hid  from  ages  and  generations;  and 
[serve]  till  the  same  spirit  that  raised  up  Jesus  from  the  dead,  comes  to 
dwell  in  people,  and  quicken  their  mortal  bodies,  the  power  of  God  wit- 
nessed, and  the  spirit  of  truth  to  be  the  guide  and  leader  into  all  truth,  and 
to  be  their  comforter,  &c.  But  when  this  is  fulfilled  and  witnessed,  there 
is  no  more  need  of  any  shadow,  figure,  or  ceremony,  to  put  us  in  remem- 
brance; but  the  spirit  of  truth  being  received-  brings  all  things  to  our 
remembrance,  and  shows  us  things  past,  present,  and  to  come;  which 
declares  plainly  of  the  father,  and  no  more  to  us  in  parables,  figures,  or 
shadows. 

So  now,  this  Christ  was  before  the  world,  that  now  is,  began,  and  was 
a  seed  before  any  name  was  given  to  it;  which  in  process  of  time,  being 
begotten  of  God,  was  born  of  a  virgin,  had  a  body  prepared  to  do  the 
will  of  his  Father,  (as  it  is  at  this  day;)  but  none  knows  him,  (or  ever 
shall,)  born,  but  of  a  virgin,  (he  that  hath  ears,  let  him  hear,)  whose 
eye  is  single,  mind  stayed  on  God,  forsakes  all,  takes  up  the  daily  cross, 
denies  self,  follows  the  lamb  wheresoever  he  goeth,  loves  him  that  had 
been  slain  more  than  all,  more  than  father,  mother,  wife,  husband, 
children,  house,  or  lands,  yea,  or  his  own  life;  these  only  know  him  born, 
though  once,  like  Mary,  said,  "How  can  this  be,  seeing  I  know  not  a 
man?"  seeing  I  have  no  strength,  wisdom,  parts,  or  abilities  of  my  own. 
But  the  answer  is,  as  it  was,  (be  thou  but  the  virgin,)  "  The  power 
of  the  Most  High  shall  overshadow  thee,  and  that  holy  thing  which  shall 
be  born  of  thee,  shall  be  called  the  son  of  God."  This  was  Christ's  name 
in  the  womb,  a  holy  thing;  (read  within;)  and  then  had  other  names,  as, 
Jesus,  and  Emanuel,  and  many  more  before  these,  and  many  more  since, 
and  yet  he  is  but  one,  and  was  before  them  all:  This  is  the  I  AM,  which 
was  before  Abraham,  whose  name  in  the  beginning  was  "  the  word;"  all 


179 


things  were  made  by  him,  and  without  him  was  not  any  thing  made  that 
was  made;  in  him  was  life,  and  the  life  was  the  light  of  men,  &c* 

Awake  therefore,  now,  ye  shepherds,  who  have  been  keeping  your 
flocks  by  night;  and  look  upwards,  ye  earthly  minded,  and  behold  his 
star  in  the  east;  the  wise  men  whose  eyes  are  in  their  head  have  seen 
it,  and  been  led  by  it,  till  the  babe  was  found  lying  in  a  manger;  for  in 
the  inn  there  was  no  room  for  him.  He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let 
him  hear;  and  he  that  hath  an  eye,  let  him  see;  for  the  day  is  come,  that 
what  we  have  seen  in  secret  must  be  preached  upon  the  house  tops. 
Behold  a  wonder!  a  woman  doth  compass  a  man,  and  yet  she  is  clothed 
with  the  sun!  Was  there  ever  such  a  thing  heard?  But  this  is  in  heaven; 
and  none  knows  it,  or  ever  shall  (as  I  said)  but  the  virgin,  who  is  over- 
shadowed with  the  power  of  the  Most  High :  and  this  is  the  word  of  the 
Lord  God  unto  all  people  upon  earth.  Therefore,  if  thine  eye  be  single 
thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light;  and  God  is  light;  but  the  double 
minded  man  is  unstable  in  all  his  ways,  and  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
against  God,  and* is  not  subject  to  him;  but  the  virgin  is  subject  to  the 
power  of  the  Most  High,  where  Christ  is  known  to  be  first  a  "holy  thing," 
then  a  44  child  given,"  and  a  "  son  born,"  which  is  "  Emanuel,"  "  God 
with  us,"  a  "  saviour,"  a  "  wonderful  counsellor,"  "  the  mighty  God," 
"  the  prince  of  peace ;"  with  many  other  names,  which,  as  I  said  before, 
are  given  to  this  "  One  incomprehensible  Being,"  which  the  whole  world 
cannot  contain.  But  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  or  Christ,  which 
is  one,  is  manifest  in  people.  There  he  is,  and  is  only  to  be  found;  and  he 
that  hath  seen  him,  who  is  the  son,  hath  seen  the  Father  also.  But  it  is 
only  the  pure,  single,  invisible  eye  that  can  see  him;  for  he  is  a  spirit, 
and  is  known  and  worshipped  only  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth,  &c. 

This  is  that  God  which  Paul  preached  to  the  Athenians,  that  made 
the  world,  and  all  men  of  one  blood  that  dwell  upon  the  face  of  the  earth, 
and  hath  appointed  them  bounds  of  their  habitations,  times,  and  seasons, 
that  they  all  should  seek  the  Lord,  if  happily  they  might  feel  after  him, 
and  find  him,  who  is  come  near  to  judgment,  and  is  the  swift  witness  against 
all  unrighteousness  and  ungodliness  of  men;  for  he  searcheth  the  heart, 
and  trieth  the  reins,  and  showeth  unto  man  what  is  his  thought.  This  is 
he  that  formed  the  mountains,  and  created  the  winds,  whom  the  heaven 
of  heavens  cannot  contain;  and  yet  dwells  with  him  that  is  of  an  humble 
and  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  his  word ;  and  he  walks  in  his  people, 
whose  God  he  only  is,  who  know  him  dwell  in  them :  and  saith  David  to 
the  people,  "  Let  God  arise,  and  his  enemies  will  be  scattered  as  smoke 
before  the  wind :"  and  this  is  he  by  whom  all  things  were  made,  as  it  is 
written.f 

*  John  i.  1,  2,3,  4,  &c.  f  John  i.  1. 


180 


Concerning  the  Word  and  the  Scriptures. 

"In  the  beginning  was  the  word,  and  the  word  was  with  God,  and  the 
word  was  God;"  "  all  things  were  made  by  him,  and  without  him  was 
not  any  thing  made  that  was  made;  in  him  was  life,  and  the  life  is  the 
light  of  men ;  and  the  light  shineth  in  the  darkness,  but  the  darkness 
comprehendeth  it  not,"  &c.  Read  this  now  with  understanding,  and 
thou  wilt  see  that  Christ's  name  is  called  the  word  of  God,  as  it  is  written.* 
And  then  if  thou  comest  to  see  him,  the  seed  of  the  woman,  which  bruiseth 
the  serpent's  head,  thou  mightst  know  the  parable  of  the  sower,  which 
sowed  good  seed  in  the  field,  in  all  the  sorts  of  ground  there  mentioned; 
but  the  enemy  sowed  the  tares  in  the  field,  and  the  field  is  the  world, 
when  the  parable  is  opened,  and  the  seed  is  the  word  of  God.  And 
saith  David,  "I  have  hid  thy  word  in  my  heart,  that  I  might  not  sin 
against  thee ;"  which  was  a  light  to  his  feet,  and  as  a  lamp  to  his  path. 
And  said  the  apostle,  "  We  have  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy,  (than 
the  outward  voice,  though  it  came  from  the  excellent  glory,")  which 
ye  do  well  to  take  heed  unto,  as  unto  a  light  in  a  dark  place,  &c/f 

Now,  this  was  not  the  scriptures,  but  of  this  the  scriptures  declare, 
even  of  the  "word  which  was  in  the  beginning,"  before  the  scriptures 
were  written,  which  cannot  be  properly  in  any  sense  called  the  word, 
or  word  of  God,  because  they  are  many  words,  and  declare  of  what  God 
did  and  said,  of  his  creating  the  world  by  the  word,  which  was  not 
created  by  the  scriptures,  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  and  wrote  them, 
as  they  were  moved  by  the  holy  spirit,J  which  is  the  word.  And  said 
Moses,  "God  spake  all  these  words,"  which  God  was  the  word  in  the  be- 
ginning, that  spake  the  words.  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  the 
prophets  at  several  times,  and  upon  several  occasions,  saying,  "Thus 
saith  the  Lord,"  &c.  So  then,  they  spake  and  wrote  what  they  were 
commanded  by  the  "  word  of  the  Lord;"  so  that  it  is  plain  to  them  that 
have  a  right  understanding,  that  the  words  were  given  forth  from  the 
word,  which  word  was  "hid  in  their  hearts,"  as  David  saith,  which  was 
there  before  the  words  were  given  forth;  and  holy  men  of  God  were 
moved  first,  by  that  which  is  holy  to  speak  and  write,  before  they  did 
speak  or  write  forth  the  scriptures,  which  are  a  true  declaration  of 
those  things  which  were  done  and  spoken  by  the  word  which  was  in 
the  beginning.  And  let  none  say,  that  the  report  is  the  arm  of  the  Lord, 
seeing  Isaiah,  a  true  prophet  of  God,  did  make  a  true  distinction  be- 
tween the  report  and  the  thing  reported  of;  for  saith  Christ,  "The 
scriptures  arc  they  that  testify  of  me,"  &c.  But  in  him  was  the  life  and 
salvation,  and  not  in  the  scriptures,  though  they  are  an  outward  lesti 


Hev.  xix.  13. 


f  Luke  xviii.  11. 


t  Exodus  xx.  1 . 


181 


mony,  and  true  declaration.  And  yet  how  ignorant  have  people  been, 
since  the  apostles'  days,  (in  the  apostacy,)  of  these  things,  calling  the 
scripture  the  word  of  God,  when  the  scriptures  themselves  say  "Christ  is 
the  word,  and  in  the  beginning  was  the  word,  and  the  world  was  made 
by  the  word."  But  the  scriptures  were  not  in  the  beginning,  neither 
was  the  world  made  by  them;  for  they  are  many  words  spoken  at  sun- 
dry times  since  the  beginning,  and  so  are  many  words  which  declare  of 
the  word,  and  of  those  things  which  are  certainly  believed  among  us.* 

Concerning  the  Gospel. 

And  so  in  the  time  of  ignorance  and  darkness,  which  hath  been  for 
ages,  both  teachers  and  people,  who  have  been  and  yet  are  in  the 
"apostacy  from  the  apostles' .life  and  spirit,  have  frequently  called  the 
writings  of  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and  John,  the  gospel,  and  so  have 
called  the  scriptures  the  gospel;  whereas  the  scriptures,  the  true  decla- 
ration, say,  "the  gospel  is  the  power  of  God,"  and  the  "gospel  is  ever- 
lasting," and  the  "gospel  was  preached  to  Abraham,"  long  before  Mat- 
thew, Mark,  Luke,  and  John  were  born;  which  gospel  is  the  power  of  God, 
and  Christ  is  called  "  the  power  of  God,"  and  "the  wisdom  of  God,"  who 
said,  "  Abraham  rejoiced  to  see  my  day,  and  he  saw  it,  and  was  glad." 
So  Abraham  knew  the  glad  tidings,  who  was  before  Moses;  for  God  saith 
to  Moses,  "I  am  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob." 
This  was  before  the  scriptures;  this  was  the  "power  of  God,  and  the 
wisdom  of  God,"  by  which  the  soul  immortal  comes  to  be  redeemed,  the 
captive  delivered,  the  chains  of  darkness,  death,  and  hell  broken,  and 
all  its  enemies  scattered.  This  is  glad  tidings  indeed,  and  this  is  rightly 
called  the  gospel  of  salvation,  of  which  neither  Paul  nor  we  are  ashamed; 
for  it  is  the  "  power  of  God."  And  many  have  the  scriptures,  and  yet 
have  not  salvation  or  redemption  by  them,  but  are  in  the  error,  ignorance, 
and  darkness,  not  knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the  power  of  God,  of 
which  the  scriptures  declare. 

And  in  this  state  people  have  been  in  great  contentions  and  debates, 
striving  in  their  dark  imaginations  about  these  things,  and  can  never  be 
satisfied,  nor  ever  shall,  till  they  come  to  the  light  in  themselves, 
which  only  can  give  them  the  knowledge  thereof;  for  that  is  the  key 
of  David,  that  opens  to  them  who  do  not  exercise  themselves  in  things 
too  high  for  them,  but  are  become  as  weaned  children.  For,  saith  So- 
lomon, "  Wisdom  is  too  high  for  a  fool,  and  she  dwelleth  not  with  con- 
suming envy,  neither  will  she  enter  into  a  froward  heart ;"  for,  "  wis- 

•  Luke  i.  1. 


182 


dom  is  a  loving  spirit,  she  is  the  beginning  of  all  the  works  of  God ;"  and 
"  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom ;"  unto  which  if  a  man 
comes  not,  he  shall  never  know  God's  secrets,  nor  the  mysteries  of  his 
kingdom,  which  are  hid  to  that  part,  nature,  or  spirit  in  man,  that 
would  always  be  knowing  and  climbing  up  into  the  tree  of  knowledge, 
and  would  know  the  mysteries,  but  not  obey  his  call,  and  come  down 
as  Zaccheus  did ;  but  the  cross  is  to  obey,  according  to  what  is  already 
known,  though  it  be  never  so  little  of  stature ;  and  without  this  daily 
cross,  which  crosseth  the  hasty  mind,  the  will  and  wisdom  of  man, 
there  can  be  no  true  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  and  will  of  God;  and 
without  it,  thou  canst  never  know  true  peace  and  satisfaction,  though 
thou  compassest  sea  and  land,  in  thy  comprehension :  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

Concerning  the  body  of  Christ. 

And  now,  having  mentioned  something  concerning  Christ,  and  con- 
cerning the  word,  and  the  scriptures,  and  the  gospel,  &c.  there  is  some- 
what in  my  heart  remaining  concerning  the  body  of  Christ,  about 
which  great  contentions,  opinions,  and  debates  have  been  amongst  them 
whose  eyes  are  not  in  their  head,  but  at  the  ends  of  the  earth.  First, 
I  believe  (and  we  believe)  that  Christ  had  a  body,  and,  came,  and 
preached,  and  suffered,  and  died,  and  rose,  and  ascended,  and  sitteth  at 
God's  right  hand,  &c.  according  to  the  scriptures.  But  yet,  some  are 
saying  to  us  with  a  lying  spirit,  "You  deny  the  resurrection,  and  the 
body  of  Christ,"  &c.  To  which,  for  the  simple's  sake,  according  to  the 
scriptures  of  truth,  I  shall  answer. 

As  for  Christ,  I  do  believe  in  my  heart  infallibly,  that  he  had  a  body 
prepared  him  to  do  the  will  of  God;  and  that  he  suffered  the  contra- 
diction of  sinners  in  the  days  of  his  flesh;  and  was  crucified  by  wicked 
men,  great  professors,  chief  priests,  rulers,  soldiers,  and  ciders;  and  was 
laid  in  the  grave,  and  rose  again,  according  to  the  scriptures,  and  did 
ascend  over  all  the  principalities  and  powers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
world,  and  now  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  &c.  And  I  do  also 
believe,  that  he  hath  yet  a  body,  which  was  prepared,  and  is  yet  pre- 
paring to  do  God's  will  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven,  &c. 

But  methinks  I  hear  some  say,  in  their  reasonings  and  imaginations, 
what  body  hath  he,  and  where  is  it,  seeing  it  is  said,  he  is  at  the  right 
hand  of  God? 

This  I  shall  answer  with  his  own  words,  which  he  spake  here  on 
earth,  viz.  "No  man  ascended  up  into  heaven,  but  he  that  came  down 
from  heaven,  the  son  of  man,  which  is  in  heaven."  He  that  hath  an  ear 


183 


to  hear,  let  him  hear,  and  take  notice,  what  body  that  was  which  came 
down  from  heaven,  when  Mary  said  unto  the  angel,  '-How  can  this  be, 
seeing  I  know  not  a  man?"  when  he  told  her,  "  the  Saviour  should  be 
born,  and  that  holy  thing  that  should  be  born  of  her  should  be  called 
the  son  of  God,"  &c.  Now  mark  the  answer,  "The  power  of  the  most 
high  shall  overshadow  thee ;"  by  which  power  the  body  was  prepared 
here  on  earth.  And  saith  Christ,  the  saviour,  the  wisdom  of  God,  and  the 
power  of  God,  "A  body  hast  thou  prepared  me;"  mark  the  distinction, 
"thou,"  "me,"  and  "a  body."  This  "me,"  that  spake  in  the  "body,"  was 
the  "Christ,"  which  had  a  "body"  prepared  to  do  "his"  will  that  pre- 
pared it.  Now,  was  it  the  "  body,"  or  an  invisible  power,  spirit,  or  soul, 
that  said,  "  A  body  hast  thou  prepared  me  ?"  He  that  hath  an  ear  and 
understanding,  let  him  hear  and  judge. 

But  yet,  here  this  question  may  arise  concerning  the  body  of  Christ; 
is  it  not  written,  "the  heavens  must  contain  him  until  the  restitution 
of  all  things  V  And  was  he  not  taken  up  into  heaven,  when  the  cloud 
received  him  out  of  the  sight  of  the  Galileans,  that  gazed  outwardly 
after  him  ? 

To  this  also  I  may  answer  unto  thee,  who  lookest  daily  for  his  per- 
sonal appearance  and  coming:  if  the  heavens  must  contain  him  until  the 
restitution  of  all  things,  why  dost  thou  so  much  expect  his  coming  before 
that  time  of  the  restitution  of  all  things?  or  canst  thou  say  that  that 
time  is  come?  if  not,  let  it  come  first,  before  thou  so  earnestly  expectest 
his  coming.  But  indeed,  it  is  but  a  cloud  that  hath  received  him  out  of 
the  sight  of  the  gazers:  but  saith  the  Lord  to  his  children,  "I  have  blot- 
ted out  your  iniquities  like  a  thick  cloud;"  and  to  the  people,  "Your  sins 
have  separated  between  me  and  you,  and  have  withheld  good  things 
from  you."  And  indeed,  this  hath  hid  both  his  body  and  face  from  you; 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  the  Lord  from  heaven,  come  not  with 
outward  observation;  but  the  kingdom  is  within,  and  the  Lord  from  hea- 
ven is  that  quickening  spirit,  which  quickens  them  which  have  been 
dead  in  sins  and  trespasses,  (the  clouds  of  separation.)  that  they  might 
live  unto  God,  and  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  in  his  temple;  which 
temple  they  are  in  whom  he  dwells,  and  in  whom  he  walks,  and  he  is 
their  God,  and  they  are  his  people ;  and  the  day  being  come,  and  the 
sun  risen,  the  clouds  and  the  shadows  are  fled  away.  But  they  who 
live  in  iniquity,  are  dead  unto  God,  whose  God  he  is  not,  the  cloud  is  still 
between,  that  they  can  neither  see  darkly,  as  in  a  glass,  nor  face  to  face, 
but  are  in  darkness,  clouds,  and  blindness,  even  until  now. 

But  if  the  inquisitive  mind  be  not  yet  answered,  but  art  still  saving, 
as  they  did  in  the  apostles'  days,  concerning  the  resurrection,  "How  doth 
the  dead  rise?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come?"  I  must  answer  unto 
thee  as  he  did,  "Thou  fool !  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  that  body  that 


184 


shall  be,"  &c.  "but  the  Lord  giveth  every  seed  its  own  body,  as  it  pleas- 
eth  him:  it  is  sown  a  natural  body,  but  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body;  it 
is  sown  in  weakness,  but  it  is  raised  in  power" — -a  spiritual  body,  raised 
in  power.    Now,  canst  thou  tell  me  what  body  this  is?    But  if  thou  un- 
derstand it  not,  thou  hast  little  or  no  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  of  God. 
I  speak  to  the  shame  of  that  inquisitive  mind  that  would  know  these 
things,  which  are  hid  in  God's  treasury,  and  yet  will  not  come  to  the 
door,  nor  the  keys  that  give  the  understanding  of  them,  without  which 
no  man  can  enter  this  kingdom,  which  is  prepared  for  that  birth  to  which 
only  it  belongs.    "For  no  man  knoweth  the  things  of  God,  but  by  the 
spirit  of  God,  which  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of 
God,  which  are  spiritually  discerned."    So  that  unless  you  come  to  the 
light  and  spirit  of  God,  the  door,  that  reproves  the  world  for  sin,  and 
lets  you  see  the  evil  of  your  ways,  and  obey  it,  endure  the  cross  and 
bear  the  condemnation  and  indignation,  because  you  have  sinned 
against  the  Lord,  and  turn  at  his  reproofs,  that  he  might  pour  forth  his 
spirit  upon  you,  and  make  his  words  and  secrets  known  unto  you;  I  say, 
unless  you  enter  in  this  way,  at  God's  light  and  spirit,  that  shin<  >  Ik 
your  hearts,  you  shall  never  rightly  know,  understand,  or  enjoy  any  of 
these  things  of  God's  kingdom,  before  mentioned;  it  is  an  infallible  word 
of  truth  from  God  unto  you  all.    For  they  are  hid  perpetually  from 
the  out-birth  of  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  and  revealed  only  to  the 
babes,  in  the  inward,  spiritual  ground  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  is  still  a  mys- 
tery hid  to  the  professors,  Scribes,  and  Pharisees,  rulers,  elders,  and  hy~ 
pocrites,  as  well  in  this  age  as  in  the  ages  past,  who  then  were  saying 
among  themselves,  (notwithstanding  his  mighty  works,  which  were  done 
among  them,)  "Is  not  this  the  carpenter's  son,  whose  father  and  mother 
we  know,  and  are  not  his  brethren  and  sisters  among  us?"  &c.  Under- 
valuing and  contemning  his  low  and  mean  appearance,  who  was  in  the 
form  of  a  servant.    And  these  did  love  to  be  called  of  men  master,  and 
greetings  in  the  Market,  and  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts,  and  to  go  in 
long  robes,  and  stand  praying  in  the  chief  or  highest  places  in  the  syna- 
gogues, and  were  the  blind  Pharisees  to  whom  the  wo  belonged,  as  at 
this  day  it  doth  to  them  who  in  the  same  spirit  are  contemning  the  low 
appearance  and  manifestation  of  the  son  of  God,  saying,  is  not  this  you 
preach  or  declare  of,  which  people  must  believe  in,  natural  light,  even 
this  which  checks  and  reproves  us  for  sin?  Have  we  not  had  this  always  ' 
with  us  from  our  childhood?  and  do  not  we  know  its  father  and  mother? 
Is  it  not  some  of  the  remainders  that  were  left  in  Adam  after  he  fell,  to 
restrain  him  and  his  children  from  gross  evil?  &c.  And  is  it  at  best  any 
other  than  restraining  grace,  and  not  saving?  or  but  natural  conscience  ? 
and  the  like.    This  hath  been  the  reasoning  amongst  many,  though 
mighty  works  have  been  done,  and  are  yet  doing,  and  must  yet  be  done 


185 


by  him  who  is  the  light,  the  power,  the  grace,  the  truth,  and  the  wisdom 
of  God,  in  these  last  days,  throughout  the  earth. 

But,  O  ye  children  of  men,  and  high  in  the  tree  of  knowledge,  which 
is  forbidden  as  to  feed  upon,  let  me  answer  these  your  reasonings  with  a 
few  questions  in  God's  wisdom,  which  is  hid  from  the  eyes  of  the  pru- 
dent of  this  world,  &c. 

L  What  was  that  seed,  and  where  was  it,  after  man  fell,  (which  was 
promised,)  that  it  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head?  and  what  is  that 
serpent,  and  where  is  he,  whose  head  must  be  bruised? 

II.  What  was  that  which  let  Adam  see  his  nakedness,  when  he  had 
transgressed? 

III.  What  are  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  that  are  in  every  place,  behold- 
ing the  evil  and  good?  and  where  are  they,  if  not  in  every  conscience, 
seeing  the  Lord  saith  to  his  faithful,  "I  will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye?" 

IV.  And  what  is  the  true  light,  that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh 
into  the  world?  and  what  is  that  light  of  men  that  shineth  in  the  dark- 
ness, which  the  darkness  comprehendeth  not,  and  where  is  it,  if  not  in 
the  conscience  of  every  man? 

V.  What  grace  is  that,  and  where  is  it,  which  hath  appeared  unto 
all  men,  which  bringeth  salvation,  which  is  the  saints'  teacher?  is  it  only 
restraining,  and  not  saving,  seeing  the  scripture  saith,  it  "bringeth  sal- 
vation?" 

VI.  What  light  is  that  of  which  the  body  shall  be  full,  if  the  eye  be 
single?  and  what  is  that  single  eye,  or  the  one  eye,  with  which  it  is 
better  to  go  to  heaven,  than  with  two  into  hell  fire?  and  what  is  that 
eye  which  is  the  light  of  the  body,  seeing  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  the 
guide? 

VII.  And  what  makes  the  difference  between  the  wise  virgins  and 
the  foolish?  and  whether  the  lamp  without  oil,  and  the  light  burning, 
be  not  the  form  or  profession  without  the  power  and  life  which  saves 
from  sin,  and  gives  an  entrance  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  God? 

VIII.  What  wise  man  is  that  which  Solomon  speaks  of,  whose  "eyes 
are  in  his  head?"  and  what  is  that  fool,  whose  "eyes  are  at  the  end  of 
the  earth?" 

IX.  And  what  is  that  "prudent  man,"  who  "foresees  the  evil,  and  hides 
himself?"  and  what  did  he  hide  from  ?  and  in  what  is  the  "  sure  hiding 
place?"  and  what  gives  the  foresight  of  evil?  What  is  that  fool  which 
"passeth  on,  and  is  punished?"  and  what  is  the  head  of  every  man? 

X.  Whether  "the  fear  of  the  Lord"  be  not  the  "  beginning  of  wis- 
dom," and  to  depart  from  evil  be  not  "understanding?"  and  whether 
they  who  are  not  yet  come  unto  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  which  is  to  de- 
part from  evil,  be  yet  come  to  the  beginning  of  true  wisdom?  And  if 
not  yet  come  to  the  beginning,  it  is  possible  they  may  be  the  fools  which 

24 


18G 


may  die  for  want  of  wisdom,  if  they  do  not  speedily  repent,  and  turn 
to  him  that  smites  them  for  their  folly,  &c.  So  take  this  for  an  answer 
till  thou  knowest  further,  of  which  much  might  be  said,  and  of  this 
kind,  but  a  few  words  to  the  wise  may  be  enough. 


Concerning  Christ's  second  coining,  and  kingdom,  and  reign;  and 
of  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  becoming  his  kingdoms. 

I  never  read  in  all  the  scriptures,  as  I  can  remember,  of  a  third 
coming  of  Christ  personally,  in  his  own  single  person,  or  of  a  personal 
reign,  besides  what  shall  be  in  his  saints.  But  I  have  read  of  his 
"coming  the  second  time  without  sin  unto  salvation,"  &c.  which  the 
apostles  in  their  days  did  witness;  yea,  even  his  coming  and  kingdom, 
as  may  be  mentioned  hereafter.  I  believe  most  people,  in  that  called 
Christendom,  who  have  read  the  scriptures,  will  confess  Christ  is  come 
once  already,  even  when  he  had  the  body  prepared  which  he  laid  down 
and  took  up  without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem;  this  I  grant  was  a  per- 
sonal coming,  or  the  Godhead  dwelt  in  that  person  bodily:  this  we  con- 
clude was  his  first  coming  to  be  manifest  in  these  days ;  and  we  believe 
all  the  things  that  are  written  of  him  to  be  really  true,  and  that  what- 
soever he  did  or  said  must  be  fulfilled,  &c. 

But  now  this  being  his  first  coming,  he  tells  his  disciples,  while  he  was 
yet  with  them,  that  he  "must  go  away,"  and  that  "  it  was  expedient 
that  he  should  go  away,  or  else"  said  he,  "  the  comforter  will  not  come, 
the  which  if  I  go  away  I  shall  send  unto  you,  even  the  spirit  of  truth, 
which  shall  abide  with  you  for  ever,"  &c.  Yet  notwithstanding,  sorrow 
had  filled  their  hearts,  though  he  tells  them,  he  would  "come  again  unto 
them,  and  their  hearts  should  rejoice,  and  their  joy  no  man  should  take 
from  them."  This  was  his  promise  to  his  disciples,  while  he  was  yet  per- 
sonally with  them;  and  to  comfort  and  strengthen  them  yet  more,  he 
told  them,  "  that  he  that  was  with  them  should  be  in  them,"  &c. 

For  they  loved  his  person  for  the  sake  of  the  frame  and  quality  of  the 
spirit  that  dwelt  in  him;  or  else  what  was  his  person,  being  mean  and 
contemptible,  to  them,  more  than  another  person?  but  for  that  which 
dwelt  in  him  they  loved  him.  Let  none  mistake,  I  do  not  slight  it,  nor 
the  person  of  any  of  his  brethren,  or  children,  as  they  are  prepared  to 
do  the  will  of  their  Father;  but  I  do  know  in  Cod's  counsel,  that  it  was 
even  so,  as  it  hath  been  also  in  these  days,  among  whom  God  the  Father 
of  mercies  hath,  as  it  were,  deprived  some  of  his  disciples  of  the  personal 
presence  of  some  of  his  dear  sons  and  servants;  which  may  be  to  this 
end,  that  the  same  spirit  and  life  might  be  felt,  possessed,  lived  to  and 


is? 


enjoyed  in  themselves,  in  their  own  particulars;  in  which  only  their 
eternal  well  being  consisteth. 

And  so  he  taught  them  to  pray,  "Our  Father,"  &c.  Not  to  look  at  his 
person,  and  pray  to  him  as  a  person  without  them ;  but  bid  them  "  pray 
to  their  Father,  which  seeth  in  secret,  who  would  reward  them  openly." 
And  he  that  seeth  in  secret  searcheth  the  heart,  and  trieth  the  reins. 
And  he  bid  them  pray,  "  thy  kingdom  come ;"  and  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
is  within,  and  the  heart  and  reins  and  searcher  of  them  are  within.  And 
he  bid  them,  wait  at  Jerusalem  "  till  they  were  endued  with  power  from 
on  high ;"  and  the  kingdom  of  God  consisteth  in  power,  &c.  So  they 
waited  for  his  coming  and  kingdom  in  their  days  after  his  bodily  de- 
parture from  them,  and  also  came  to  enjoy  what  they  waited  for,  and 
to  receive  the  promise  of  the  Father,  which  was  fulfilled  unto  them,  and 
in  them ;  for,  saith  the  apostle,  "  we  wait  for  his  son  from  heaven."  This 
was  after  he  had  suffered,  and  was  departed  from  them:  and  at  length 
said,  "  The  son  of  God  is  come  and  hath  given  us  an  understanding,  that 
we  know  him  that  is  true,  and  are  in  him  that  is  true ;  this  is  the  true 
God  and  eternal  life :  and  this  life  is  in  his  son."  And  then  again  spake 
on  this  wise,  "  We  have  received  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved ;  let 
U8  have  grace  in  our  hearts,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably, 
with  reverence  and  godly  fear;  for  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire,"  &c. 
So  here  they  received  the  kingdom,  and  the  son  of  God  was  come,  and 
they  were  in  him,  who  came  unto  them  in  his  kingdom.  Here  was 
Christ's  prayer  fulfilled,  who  said,  "  that  they  might  be  one,  as  we  are 
one ;  thou  in  me,  and  I  in  them,  and  they  in  me,  that  we  all  might  be 
perfect  in  one;"  and  here  is  their  prayer  also  fulfilled,  or  answered, 
who  said,  "  thy  kingdom  come,"  &c.  when  they  received  the  kingdom 
which  could  not  be  moved;  which  kingdom  Christ  tells  them  was  within. 
So  this  they  received  and  witnessed,  which  was  the  second  time,  unto 
salvation  from  sin,  who  never  mentioned,  as  I  have  read,  of  a  personal 
coming  and  reign  the  third  time,  or  of  a  third  coming  in  a  single  per- 
sonal appearance,  as  hath  been  imagined  by  many,  who  know  not  the 
waiting  to  be  endued  with  power  from  on  high,  but  are  running  in  their 
own  wills  and  times,  and  will- worships,  and  feigned  humilities,  which  is 
not  at  all  accepted  with  God,  while  that  birth  is  not  born,  nor  that  body 
prepared,  which  only  can  do  his  will  acceptably. 

But  this  we  have  read,  of  the  pourings  forth  of  the  spirit  in  the  last 
daysupon  all  flesh;  (then  none  is  excepted,)  and  sons  and  daughters  should 
prophecy,  which  is  come  to  pass.  And  that  the  Lord  will  come  in  ten 
thousands  of  his  saints,  to  convince  all  the  ungodly  of  their  ungodly  deeds 
and  hard  speeches,  which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  him,  and 
to  execute  his  judgments;  (this  is  coming  to  pass;)  and  that  he  will  con- 
sume antichrist  by  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  destroy  him  with  the 


IS8 


brightness  of  his  coming.  Then  not  with  carnal  weapons,  but  with  spi- 
ritual he  will  destroy  antichrist.  And  when  this  is  done,  then  must  the 
kingdoms  of  this  world  needs  become  his,  and  he  shall  reign  for  ever 
and  ever.  Blessed  is  the  eye  that  sees,  and  the  heart  that  feels  and 
understands  these  things;  for  the  time  is  born,  and  the  day  is  dawned 
in  which  they  shall  be  fulfilled.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  who  is  come  to  reign,  and  reigneth,  and  will  reign, 
till  all  his  enemies  are  become  his  footstool,  and  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world  become  his  kingdoms  and  dominions,  even  for  ever  and  for  ever- 
more. Therefore  let  the  earth  tremble,  and  them  that  fear  and  obey 
him  rejoice.  Amen,  hallelujah,  amen. 


O  thou  professor  who  art  yet  a  transgressor! 

Would'st  thou  know  the  mysteries  of  God?  thou  must  first  feel  his  rod: 

Which  will  thy  back  smite,  till  thou  leave  works  of  night, 

And  walk  in  the  light. 

This  is  the  way  to  know  the  first  day, 

And  also  the  rest  which  is  holy  and  blest, 

For  Zaccheus  climbing  was  too  high  the  saviour  to  embrace. 

But  down  below  he  was  received,  in  whom  salvation  was. 

The  voice  that  from  the  tree  did  call  (though  below  him)  he  obeyed; 

The  little  stature  is  not  despised,  therefore  be  not  afraid: 

But  come  thou  down  into  the  house,  with  joy  the  light  receive; 

For  he's  the  saviour  of  all  men  that  in  his  name  believe. 

The  tree  of  knowledge  hath  beguil'd,  and  fed  the  birth  must  die: 

The  tree  of  life  hath  not  been  known,  while  in  the  wisdom  high 

Men  have  aspired,  and  not  desired  with  poverty  and  thirst, 

To  walk  in  the  light,  with  hearts  upright,  the  plain  path  of  the  just. 

Therefore  the  pearl  from  them  is  hid,  who  dig  not  in  the  deep; 

But  with  the  sluggard  and  the  fool,  in  rags  and  folly  sleep. 

But  now  the  awakening  day  is  come,  the  trump  aloud  doth  sound; 

The  life's  revealed,  as  in  days  past,  man's  wisdom  to  confound: 

Therefore  all  people  stand  up,  and  see  the  state  in  which  you  are; 

For  either  heaven  or  hell's  your  lot,  the  hour  is  not  afar: 

For  I  have  heard  from  throne  of  God  a  dreadful  voice  and  cry, 

O  England!  England!  thou  art  visited,  and  now  thy  end  draws  nigh. 

Even  so  hasten  thy  work,  O  Lord  God  Almighty,  as  thou  hast  showed 
thy  servant;  and  cut  it  short  in  righteousness  for  thine  elect's  sake,  that 
cries  unto  thee  night  and  day  throughout  the  whole  earth:  even  so, 
come  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly,  saith  my  soul.  Amen. 


189 


Written  by  a  servant  of  the  living  God,  who  is  a  trembler  with  joy 
at  the  word  of  his  power;  for  whose  sake  I  am  in  outward  bonds  at 
Hartford;  but  my  peace  can  no  man  take  from  me,  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Jacob,  whose  compassion  fails  not,  but  his  mercies  endure 
for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 


The  Second  month,  1663. 


William  Bayly 


Jl  grievous  lamentation  over  thee,  0  England/  or  the  greatest  part 
of  thy  inhabitants,  who  have  withstood  the  day  of  their  visitation. 
With  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  thy  rulers  and  teachers,  who  con- 
tinue  persecuting  and  oppressing  the  dear  children  and  people  of 
the  Most  High,  whom  he  hath  raised  in  thee,  and  sent  to  warn 
thee,  that  thou  mightest  have  repented,  and  been  saved  from  the 
wrath  to  come;  which  now  shall  speedily  overtake  thee. 

And  he  spread  it  before  me  and  it  was  written  within  and  without;  and  there  was  writ- 
ten therein,  lamentations,  and  mourning,  and  wo:  Read  EzeJciel  chap.  2,  throughout. 

O  Jerusalem,  [Jerusalem,]  thou  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them  which  are 
sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen 
gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not!  Behold  your  house  is  left 
unto  you  desolate.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  all  these  things  shall  come  upon  this  gene- 
ration. Matt,  xxiii.  36,  37,  38. 


O  England,  England!  it  is  thy  lot  to  be  the  hissing  and  the  astonish- 
ment of  nations.  Hath  seven  days  passed  over  thee,  and  thou  yet  re- 
mainest,  as  the  beasts  of  the  field,  without  understanding?  Must  it  needs 
be,  that  many  of  my  children  must  shake  off  the  dust  of  their  feet 
against  thy  rulers  and  teachers,  and  turn  to  other  nations,  who  shall 
rise  up  in  judgment  against  thee,  because  in  thee  mighty  works  have 
been  done,  which  if  the  same  had  been  done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon,  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah,  they  would  have  repented?  Nineveh  shall  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  thee,  who  repented  at  the  preaching  of  Jonas;  for 
behold  a  greater  than  Jonas  hath  preached  in  thy  streets.  But,  what 
shall  I  say?  must  the  day  of  thy  visitation  pass  over  thy  head,  and  the 
summer  be  ended,  and  thou  not  saved?  Must  thou  be  made  an  example, 
O  England,  to  the  whole  earth?  Must  the  noise  of  thy  fall  and  ruin 
make  the  nations  afar  off  tremble,  and  to  be  awakened,  and  fear  before 
the  Lord,  and  seek  after  his  salvation?  Must  me  report  come  from  thee 
that  must  strike  the  earth  with  amazement,  and  cause  the  ears  of 
them  that  hear  it  to  tingle?  O  England,  England!  what  shall  1  do  for 
thee?  My  bowels!  my  bowels!  my  heart  is  pained  within  me,  and  I  am 
in  sorrow  and  distress  for  thee,  as  a  woman  in  travail !  How  often  hath 
the  Lord  of  hosts  of  late  sounded  in  mine  ears,  that  thy  visitation  is  nigh 
over,  thy  visitation  is  nigh  over!  or  else  I  must  say  as  Jeremiah  did,  the 
Lord  hath  deceived  me. 

Oh  England!  how  oft  have  the  pleasant  showers  of  the  visitation  from 
on  high  descended  upon  thee;  but  where,  and  amongst  whom  do  the 


191 


fruits  appear  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  the  dresser?  Is  not  thy  heaven 
brass,  and  thy  earth  become  iron?  Are  not  the  clouds  returning  after 
the  rain  in  thee?  Are  not  the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and  the  light  darkened 
in  thee?  And  is  not  thy  golden  bowl  broken,  and  the  wheel  at  the  cis- 
tern? And  art  not  thou  going  to  thy  long  home,  and  the  mourners  about 
the  streets?  Must  thou  die  without  knowledge,  and  be  buried  in  the  sea 
of  misery?  Must  thy  name  become  a  proverb,  and  thy  remembrance  an 
astonishment?  What  nation  was  like  to  thee,  in  the  days  that  are  gone? 
What  opportunities  hast  thou  had  of  being  made  the  praise  of  the  whole 
earth;  but  now  thou  art  become  hardened,  as  if  thou  wert  raised  up, 
that  God's  power  and  wonders  might  be  made  known  upon  thee!  Must 
thou  indeed  be  destroyed,  as  God  overthrew  Egypt?  Is  Sodom  thy  sister? 
Must  the  plagues  and  the  judgments  that  are  written,  come  upon  thee? 
Must  thou  fall  as  the  handful  after  the  harvest  man ;  and  be  cut  as  the 
grass  before  the  mower  ?  Must  not  just  Lot,  whose  soul  is  vexed  with 
thy  unlawful  deeds,  be  first  delivered  ?  Must  not  Noah  be  in  the  ark 
before  the  flood  comes  ?  Then  shall  the  destroyer  pass  through  thee  as  a 
giant  to  run  his  race,  and  thou  shalt  be  destroyed  with  a  sore  destruction. 
What  lamentation  shall  I  take  up  for  thee,  O  England?  How  have  my 
bones  been  as  shattered,  and  my  sinews  as  torn,  in  the  remembrance  of 
thy  day  ?  How  doth  my  belly  tremble,  and  my  lips  quiver  at  the  feeling 
of  the  sense  of  the  burden  that  is  coming  upon  thee !  "  Oh  that  I 
had  in  the  wilderness  a  lodging  place  of  wayfaring  men,  that  I  might 
go  from  tins  people  and  leave  them !  Oh  that  my  head  were  waters, 
and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and  night!" 
then  should  I  be  eased.  How  deep  is  the  sense  of  thy  calamity  entered 
into  my  soul,  which  makes  me  stagger  like  a  drunken  man,  and  as  a 
reed  shaken  with  the  wind  ?  0  my  soul !  why  art  thou  so  disquieted  for 
this  people  ?  why  dost  thou  not  cast  off  their  burden,  and  be  still  ?  why 
dost  thou  meditate  their  terror  in  the  night  seasons  ?  why  art  thou  as  a 
bird  ready  to  hasten  into  nations  afar  off?  why  doth  thy  life  draw  as 
with  a  cart  rope  into  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth?  Is  thy  native 
country  become  a  strange  land ;  or  dost  thou  love  strangers  more  than 
these  ?  Oh  that  I  might  know  why  thou  wreepest  thus  in  secret,  and  art 
become  as  a  sorrowful  woman !  Hast  thou  lost  a  son,  or  dost  thou  desire 
a  son,  like  Hannah  ?  What  aileth  thee,  O  my  soul !  that  thou  thus  travail- 
est  night  and  day  in  sorrow,  as  a  mother  to  bring  forth,  or  as  a  child 
that  crieth  for  its  mother  ?  Do  none  of  thy  brethren  partake  of  thy  bur- 
dens, and  do  not  their  bowels  feel  thy  distresses  ?  Yes  surely ;  is  it  not 
because  I  did  once  love  thee,  O  England  !  and  because  I  now  pity  thee, 
seeing  thy  dreadful  doom,  that  I  thus  weep  over  thee !  How  art  thou 
fallen,  O  land,  by  thine  iniquity !  even  thy  kings  and  thy  rulers,  thy 
teachers  and  thy  leaders,  thy  judges  and  thy  captains,  thy  mighty  men 


192 


and  thy  mean  men,  the  master  and  the  scholar,  the  mistress  and  her 
maid,  the  buyer  and  the  seller.  Oh  the  darkness,  such  as  was  in  Egypt, 
which  may  be  felt !  Oh  the  hardness  of  heart,  like  an  adamant,  harder 
than  flint !  Oh  the  blindness,  the  born  blindness,  that  is  in  thee,  and 
covering  thee  as  a  garment !  Oh  the  pride  and  fulness,  lifted-upness,  im- 
pudency,  and  height  of  ambition  that  is  in  thee !  can  it  be  higher  ?  or 
can  it  be  uttered  by  the  tongue  of  man  ?  O  thou  Lucifer,  that  thus 
dwellest,  actest,  and  reignest  in  thy  children !  God's  eternal  judgments 
shall  be  upon  thee,  and  his  vengeance  shall  consume  thee,  and  the  day 
is  at  hand.  Oh  the  wantonness,  stubbornness,  profaneness,  lewdness, 
crookedness,  cruelty,  hypocrisy,  deceit,  and  oppression  that  is  in  thee, 
O  thou  England !  thou  hast  killed  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  and  stoned 
and  persecuted  them  that  he  hath  sent  unto  thee.  Oh !  that  thou  wert 
no  blinder  than  the  Sodomites,  and  darker  than  Egypt,  and  deafer  than 
the  adders,  and  more  brutish  than  the  beasts  of  the  field;  thenmightest 
thou  hear  or  see  something  of  thy  visitations.  What !  are  persecution 
and  cruelty  about  religion  and  worship  yet  found  in  thee?  are  thy 
teachers  yet  like  briars,  and  thy  rulers  like  thorns  in  the  sides  of  the 
tender  lambs  of  the  Most  High?  Be  advised,  O  land,  what  thou  dost  against 
his  people.  For  God  hath  yet  a  small  remnant  to  be  gathered  out  of 
thy  bowels,  whose  cries  and  groans  he  hath  heard,  and  will  plead  their 
cause  against  all  their  oppressors  by  the  fire  of  his  jealousy,  which  shall 
consume  the  briars  and  thorns  in  one  day. 

O  thou  England,  my  native  country!  Art  thou  become  a  wilderness? 
Is  the  remnant  of  the  Lord  in  thee  like  the  apple-tree  in  the  midst  of 
the  trees  of  the  forest,  and  as  a  lily  among  thorns?  Are  the  tearers, 
devourers,  scratchers,  and  prickers  yet  found  in  thee?  Is  not  the  land 
cursed  that  bringeth  forth  these,  after  so  much  rain  and  fruitful  sea- 
sons? And  is  not  their  end  burning ?  yea,  everlasting  burning.  What! 
is  preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus  freely  and  publicly  in  villages, 
towns,  and  cities,  become  a  transgression?  What!  must  the  meetings 
of  the  dear  children  and  servants  of  God  be  called  unlawful,  and  be 
broken  up  by  the  lewd  drunkards,  swearers,  and  profane  persons,  scoff- 
ers, and  scorners  in  thee,  as  mine  eyes  have  seen,  and  trickled  down 
with  tears  to  behold  it,  with  an  heart-breaking  lamentation  over  thee? 
O  England!  England!  that  I  could  plead  with  thee,  as  with  one  man, 
face  to  face!  Didst  thou  ever  persecute  me  and  my  brethren  before  we 
turned  our  faces  towards  the  paradise  of  God,  from  whence  we  were 
driven  in  Adam  by  transgression?  Didst  thou  ever  abuse,  beat,  or  im- 
prison me — didst  thou  ever  reproach  or  revile  me,  when  I  walked  in 
vanity,  wantonness,  and  pride,  and  in  the  foolish  fashions  and  gestures 
of  this  world?  Nay,  didst  thou  not  say  well  of  me,  when  God's  witnes? 
in  my  own  conscience  did  reprove  and  condemn  me?  Didst  thou  ever 
cast  me  into  prison  for  breaking  God's  laws,  for  lying,  or  for  swearing, 


103 


or  any  other  kind  of  profaneness*  But  how  soon  didst  thou  lay  hold 
on  my  innocent  throat,  when  I  began  to  turn  my  face  toward  Sion,  and 
to  speak  the  language  of  Canaan?  How  often  hast  thou  dragged  me 
upon  the  stones  of  thy  streets,  and  smitten  me  on  the  cheek-bone,  and 
plucked  off  mine  hair,  which  God  hath  numbered?  How  often  have 
thy  priests,  teachers,  and  chiefest  professors,  abused  me?  How  often 
have  thy  soldiers  mocked  and  beaten  me,  with  the  rude  people  shouting 
and  rending  my  garments?  How  often  have  I  been  imprisoned  since 
my  heart  was  turned,  with  brokenness  and  desires  to  seek  the  living 
God  in  truth  and  righteousness?  Surely  above  these  ten  times,  as  un- 
justly as  a  child  from  its  mother's  breast.  Yet  for  all  this  I  never  sought 
revenge  against  thee,  but  often  wept  in  secret  to  my  God  for  thee,  who 
did  still  quiet  my  heart  in  the  contcntedness  of  his  own  life  and  will, 
seeing  his  counsel  and  end  through  all  these  things.  And  I  am  yet  so 
far  from  seeking  revenge,  though  now  again  in  bonds,  through  the  un- 
just dealing  of  some  of  thy  priests  and  rulers,  that  I  have  said  in  my 
heart  with  tears  unto  God,  Oh  that  I  might  lay  down  my  life  for  Eng- 
land, that  I  might  die  for  England,  (which,  the  Lord  knoweth,  I  could 
freely  do.)  that  she  might  yet  repent  and  be  saved!  In  whose  presence 
1  have  freely  forgiven  all  mine  enemies  that  have  thus  dealt  with  me, 
and  can  say  to  Richard  Brown,  the  greatest  amongst  many  called  al- 
dermen of  London,  as  my  dearly  beloved  brother,  Edward  Burroughs, 
did  on  his  death  bed, "  the  Lord  forgive  thee,  if  it  be  yet  possible;"  whose 
prisoner  he  died,  and  yet  lives  in  my  bosom,  and  the  rest  of  my  bre- 
thren, as  he  is  a  martyr  of  Jesus.  O  thou  England!  have  not  we  the 
witness  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  we  are  the  children  of  the  Most  High, 
whom  thou  hast  thus  abused  and  persecuted,  robbed  and  spoiled?  and 
dost  thou  think  to  prosper,  by  persevering  in  these  things  against  them? 
Nay,  let  me  once  more  tell  thee  from  the  everlasting  God,  that  it  shall 
he  thy  ruin.  "What  canst  thou  do  with  us,  who  fear  not  man.  who  can 
but  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  hath  power  to  do  no  more  ?  We  have 
giveih  up  our  lives  freely  to  live  and  to  die  unto  our  God,  and  to  hold 
fast  his  name,  which  is  truth  and  righteousness,  and  to  confess  him  be- 
fore men  while  we  have  a  being ;  and  thou  shalt  never  overcome  us, 
though  thou  shouldst  kill  or  imprison  to  death  all  our  persons  or  bodies, 
if  it  were  po->ible.  Thy  fathers  have  not  overcome  the  prophets,  apos- 
tles, and  martyrs  of  Christ  Jesus  in  the  days  past;  neither  hast  thou 
overcome  them,  whom  thou  hast  beaten  and  imprisoned  to  death  among 
us  in  these  days,  but  they  have  overcome  thee,  and  their  life  is  risen 
again, 'of  which  we  are  witnesses,  and  it  is  with  us,  and  remains  with  us 
for  ever;  whose  blood  cries  loud  in  the  ears  of  the  Lord  Almighty,  who 
will  avenge  and  plead  their  innocent  cause.  O  England  !  are  thy  rulers 
yet  again  saving,  that  the  Quakers  will  spread  and  overrun  the  land  ? 

25 


194 


Have  not  I  heard  them  say,  we  must  prevent  them,  lest  they  become- 
very  numerous,  or  more  than  we  ?  And  have  not  thy  teachers  run  and 
complained  to  them,  that  they  might  be  suppressed  ?  Yes,  surely,  in  my 
sight  and  hearing.  And  was  not  this  the  language  of  Egypt,  their  ma- 
gicians, wise  men,  and  rulers,  "  Let  us  deal  wisely  with  them,  lest  they 
multiply  and  become  great  in  number  ?"  &c.  And  were  not  the  plagues 
poured  forth  upon  that  land  till  Pharaoh  and  his  host  were  destroyed  1 
and  is  not  God  the  same,  and  his  seed  and  children  the  same  for  ever  ? 

Hear,  O  England !  and  all  thy  rulers  and  teachers,  and  all  the  inha- 
bitants of  spiritual  Egypt  and  Sodom !  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  your 
counsel  shall  come  to  nought,  your  purposes  shall  be  abolished,  and  made 
void,  your  rage  is  in  vain,  your  subtlety  and  wisdom  shall  be  confound- 
ed;  my  dread  shall  fall  upon  you,  ye  light  and  vain  rulers,  who  have 
taken  upon  you  to  sit  in  judgment  against  my  people,  Behold  you  shall 
sit  in  the  dust,  and  you  shall  gnaw  your  tongues  for  pain  and  vexation ; 
the  clay  of  your  howling  is  at  hand,  in  which  you  shall  cry  to  the  rocks 
and  mountains  to  hide  you  from  my  presence  Ye  hypocrites  !  ye  wanton 
ones !  will  ye  not  tremble  at  my  presence  ?  Have  not  I  set  bounds  to  the 
sea,  that  though  it  toss  and  mount  up,  roar  and  swell,  it  cannot  pass 
my  decree  1  Will  you  strive  with  your  Maker,  ye  potsherds  ?  will  ye 
fight  against  God  ?  Are  you  stronger  than  he  that  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  things  therein,  by  his  power?  Am  not  I  he  that 
overthrew  Sodom,  and  cutRahab,  and  wounded  the  dragon,  and  drown- 
ed the  Egyptians  in  the  sea?  Behold,  I  will  put  my  hook  in  your  nose, 
and  my  bridle  in  your  jaws,  and  turn  you  backwards,  ye  devourers,  ye 
beasts  of  the  field,  and  my  people  shall  spread,  and  my  seed  shall  in- 
crease, and  be  as  the  sand,  and  as  the  stars  of  heaven;  and  the  earth 
shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  my  glory,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea.  And  you  shall  not  prevail  against  them.  Nay,  though  the  whole 
earth  should  be  gathered  together  against  my  people,  they  shall  not 
prosper,  but  be  confounded  and  broken  to  pieces,  and  become  as  the 
chaff  before  the  wind,  and  as  stubble  before  a  consuming  fire ;  I  the 
Lord  have  spoken  it. 

"  When  they  heard  that,  they  were  cut  to  the  heart,  and  took  counsel 
to  slay  them.  Then  stood  there  up  one  in  the  counsel,  a  Pharisee, 
named  Gamaliel,  a  doctor  of  law,  &c.  and  said  unto  them,  Ye  men  of 
Israel,  take  heed  to  yourselves,  what  ye  intend  to  do,  as  touching  these 
men,  &c.  and  now  I  say  unto  you,  refrain  from  these  men,  and  let 
them  alone;  for,  if  this  work  be  of  men,  it  will  come  to  nought;  but  if 
it  be  of  God,  ye  cannot  overthrow  it,  lest  happily  ye  be  found  even  to 
fight  against  God."    Read  Acts  v.  27.  to  the  end,  and  consider  it. 

From  my  Prison-Chamber  in  Hartford,  William  Bayly. 

the  3d  month,  1663. 


TO  THE  CAMP  OF  ISRAEL, 


Whom  he  hath  brought  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  by  a  mighty  hand  and  out' 
stretched  arm,  called  Quakers,  in  England,  or  elsewhere  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth;  a  visitation  and  dear  salutation  from  the  breathings  of  the  life  of  a  true 
Jetc,  in  the  tender  love  of  the  God  of  Jacob.  Given  forth  in  the  remembrance 
of  his  mercies  of  old,  which  continually  endure  for  ever. 


My  dearly  beloved  friends,  brethren  and  sisters,  who  are  of  the  stock 
cf  Abraham,  and  seed  of  Israel,  who  are  brought  and  bringing  forth  out  of 
the  land  of  darkness  and  house  of  bondage,  by  the  outstretched  arm  of 
the  Almighty  Jehovah,  to  follow  him  who  is  an  everlasting  light,  into 
the  heavenly  land  of  rest  and  peace,  which  endureth  for  ever;  who 
are  of  Caleb's  and  Joshua's  spirit,  wholly  resigned  to  do  or  suffer  the  will 
of  God  in  all  things  in  your  generation;  who  are  the  true  Israelites  in- 
deed, without  guile,  partiality,  or  hypocrisy,  the  chosen  generation,  the 
royal  priesthood,  zealous  for  God  and  good  works,  and  valiant  for  the 
truth  upon  earth;  who  can  forsake  all  to  follow  the  Lamb  in  his  foot- 
steps of  patience,  long-suffering,  love  and  meekness,  wisdom  and  fear, 
bearing  all  things,  enduring  all  things,  hoping  always  in  God,  and  re- 
joicing in  tribulations,  glorying  in  nothing  save  in  the  cross  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  resolving  in  his  strength,  with  purpose  of  heart,  to 
cleave  fast  unto  the  Lord,  though  your  outward  man  perish,  or  be  of- 
fered up  as  a  living  sacrifice  for  his  holy  name  and  truth.  I  say;  that 
you  truly  are  my  brethren  and  sisters;  I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to 
sit  down  with  you,  and  feed  with  you  at  your  table,  which  indeed  is  no 
less  than  the  table  of  the  Lord,  which  he  hath  spread  for  us.  Yea, 
even  when  we- were  in  the  wilderness,  did  he  give  us  manna  from  hea- 
ven, angels'  food,  and  water  out  of  the  rock  which  then  followed  us. 
Blessed  for  ever  be  the  Lord,  and  the  remembrance  of  his  name.  And 
when  I  call  to  mind  these  things,  and  the  multitude  of  his  mercies  and 
endless  compassions,  which  he  showed  towards  us  in  the  days  of  our  in- 
fancy, when  he  took  us  by  the  hand,  and  taught  us  to  go,  my  bowels 
are  turned  within  me,  and  I  am  melted  before  the  Lord. 

O  Israel,  what  hath  thy  God  done  for  thee !  Stand  still  a  little,  and 
consider  how  he  hath  dealt  with  thee  in  the  days  past,  whether  he 
hath  dealt  so  with  any  nation;  how  he  hath  made  rivers  in  the  desert, 
and  the  dry  land  to  become  springs  of  water:  how  hath  he  filled  the 
hungry  with  good  things,  and  sent  the  rich  empty  away !    He  hath 


19G 


brought  down  the  mighty  from  their  seats,  and  exalted  them  of  low- 
degree.  He  hath  made  thy  wilderness  a  fruitful  field,  and  turned  the 
fruitful  land  into  barrenness,  because  of  the  iniquity  of  them  that  dwelt 
therein.    He  hath  divided  the  sea,  and  made  it  stand  on  heaps  while 
his  chosen  remnant  passed  over.   He  hath  overthrown  the  horse  and 
his  rider.  He  hath  pierced  Leviathan,  and  bruised  the  head  of  the 
crooked  serpent,  and  broken  the  great  teeth  and  jaws  of  the  wicked. 
He  hath* delivered  from  the  mouth  of  the  lion,  and  from  the  paw  of 
the  bear,  and  from  the  uncircumcised  Philistines.    He  hath  made  the 
lame  to  leap  as  an  hart,  and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb  to  sing.  He 
hath  set  the  solitary  in  families ;  and  is  leading  Joseph  like  a  flock, 
and  making  him  ruler  over  Egypt,  the  land  of  darkness.  Oh!  magnify 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  all  ye  children  of  Israel,  and  let  the  inhabitants 
of  the  rock  sing  for  joy;  for  great  and  marvellous  things  hath  the  Lord 
done  for  his  people.    He  hath  raised  the  dead,  and  brought  Lazarus 
from  the  grave.    He  hath  opened  the  eyes  of  the  born-blind.  He  hath 
cleansed  the  lepers,  and  cast  out  devils,  and  they  are  gone  into  the  herd 
of  swine.    He  hath  fed  a  great  multitude  with  a  little  portion,  and  yet 
much  remains.    He  hath  cured  the  daughter  of  Abraham,  which  was 
bowed  down  many  years.    He  hath  stopped  the  running  issue,  which 
all  the  physicians  of  no  value  could  never  do.  He  hath  made  a  hedge 
about  Job ;  and  delivered  just  Lot  out  of  Sodom,  and  brought  him  to 
Zoar. 

These  things  hath  the  Lord  of  life  done  among  us,  of  which  we  are 
eye-witnesses;  and  his  own  arm  hath  brought  salvation,  and  hath 
wrought  all  our  works  in  us  and  for  us,  which  none  other  man  could 
do.  Oh !  praise  the  Lord  for  ever,  all  ye  that  have  breath  in  the  land  of 
the  living ;  and  let  the  sons  of  Jacob  have  him  and  his  works  in  ever- 
lasting remembrance.    If  we  forget  his  mercies  showed  unto  Sion,  and 
his  wonders  in  the  deep,  "let  our  right  hand  forget  her  cunning."   If  I 
forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  and  what  thy  God  hath  done  for  thee,  "let 
my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth."  But  how  has  my  soul  be- 
come as  a  watered  garden,  in  brokenness  and  humility  before  the  Lord 
God  of  our  salvation,  when  I  call  to  mind  his  tender  mercies  and  deal- 
ings of  old,  and  when  I  remember  the  wormwood  and  the  gall,  and  how 
there  were  none  found  worthy  in  heaven  nor  earth  to  open  the  book, 
and  to  loose  the  seals,  neither  to  look  thereon,  but  the  lamb  wbirh 
had  been  slain.  Then  was  the  time  of  weeping  and  of  great  mourning, 
as  in  the  valley  of  Haddadrimmon,  yea,  even  apart  in  the  wilderness 
and  solitary  places.    O  Lord  God,  shall  thy  people  ever  forget  tjie&e 
things,  and  thy  wonders  upon  the  land  of  Egypt,  which  thou  wrought- 
est  for  thy  seed's  sake,  and  the  great  salvation  which  thou  hast  showed 
to  Israel!    Shall  there  ever  be'  an  image  made,  or  the  likeness  of  any 


197 


thing  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  to  be  bowed  down  to,  but  thy  name  alone, 
which  is  and  shall  be  exalted  above  every  name,  in  which  thy  babes 
and  children  have  found  comfort,  strength,  and  safety  to  this  day'?  or, 
shall  any  thing  sit  in  thy  judgment  seat  with  thee,  but  that  which  over- 
cometh,  and  is  thy  son?  Is  not  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  all 
judgment  committed  to  him,  in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile,  who  is 
meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  who  loosed  the  seals,  and  opened  the  book, 
and  did  prevail,  and  hath  prevailed  over  the  dragon  and  his  angels; 
who  maketh  war  in  righteousness,  and  in  it  goes  on  conquering  and  to 
conquer ;  who  hath  the  keys  of  death  and  of  hell  ?    Therefore  let  your 
eyes  be  alone  unto  him,  O  ye  followers  of  the  lamb  !  and  fear  not  man, 
neither  look  unto  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils ;  but  be  valiant 
for  the  truth  upon  earth,  which  endureth  for  ever.    Follow  your  cap- 
tain, even  of  your  salvation,  ye  white  horse-men,  who  are  of  the  ar- 
mies that  are  in  heaven,  whose  clothing  is  white  and  clean,  and  your 
armour  the  whole  armour  of  light,  having  on  the  ornament  of  a  meek, 
quiet,  and  patient  spirit,  which  is  of  great  price  in  the  sight  of  God, 
though  in  it  you  appear  as  fools  in  the  sight  of  men.    You  are  of  that 
troop  which  shall  overcome  at  the  last,  though  you  seem,  as  to  the  out- 
ward appearance,  to  be  overcome,  and  trampled  under  foot  for  a  sea- 
son, for  the  exercise  and  trial  of  your  faith  and  patience,  through  which 
God  is  bringing  his  lambs  nearer  to  his  bosom,  though  their  face  is  mar- 
red more  than  any  man's,  and  their  form  more  than  the  sons  of  men. 
But  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  you,  and  the  shout  of  a  king  is  among  you, 
which  shall  make  nations  to  tremble,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field  to  flee 
before  him.    The  lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  hath  roared  out  of  Sion, 
and  hath  uttered  his  voice  from  his  holy  temple,  new  Jerusalem.  And 
he  it  is  that  must  get  the  victory,  and  have  the  dominion,  and  reign, 
till  all  his  enemies  are  become  his  footstool.    This  is  the  Lord's  doing, 
and  this  work  he  will  accomplish  by  his  own  arm.    Therefore,  lift  up 
your  heads,  ye  babes  and  suckling  children  of  the  Most  High,  and  be 
bold  in  the  strength  of  the  Almighty,  and  in  it  be  very  courageous  in 
this  the  day  of  his  power.    Feel  Caleb's  and  Joshua's  spirit  stirred  up, 
which  saith,  "We  will  go  on,  the  Lord  will  go  before  us,  and  he  will 
right  our  battles,  and  we  shall  prevail."    For  the  battle  is  the  Lord's, 
the  work  is  the  Lord's,  and  he  will  accomplish  it;  the  day  is  his,  the 
set  time  is  come,  and  the  victory  is  and  must  be  his.    Here  you  dwell 
in  the  pure  sense  and  feeling  of  the  noble  plant  of  renown,  the  right 
seed,  which  will  wholly  follow  the  Lord;  this  his  soul  takes  pleasure  in, 
and  he  will  never  forsake  it,  though  a  woman  may  forsake  her  child. 
This  will  never  draw  back  because  of  persecutions,  thrcatenings,  or  fiery 
trials,  furnace,  or  den  of  lions ;  but  puts  on  the  whole  armour  of  God, 
and  is  clad  with  zeal  as  with  a  cloak,  and  sets  its  face  like  a  flint,  be- 


198 


cause  of  truth,  and  because  of  righteousness.  This  is  the  royal  birth, 
which  God  hath  raised,  and  will  raise,  to  whom  the  kingdom  and  domi- 
nion belong  for  evermore.  It  is  against  this  the  enmity  is;  the  devil  and  the 
dragon's  malice  is  against  this  child ;  after  its  blood  the  whore,  beast, 
dragon,  and  false  prophet  have  thirsted,  from  Cain  to  this  day.  This  is 
the  lamb  that  hath  been  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  This 
is  the  holy  child,  against  whom  Herod  and  Pilate,  and  all  the  rulers 
took  counsel  in  all  ages.  Not  so  much  against  profession  is  their  aim, 
but  at  the  life  and  holy  birth  itself,  which  is  born  and  manifest  in 
flesh,  which  hath  been  the  mystery  hidden  from  ages  and  generations, 
but  now  is  and  shall  be  manifest  more  and  more,  through  all  these  trials 
and  shakings,  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  This  is  he,  whose  vesture  is 
dipped  in  blood,  whom  the  armies  in  heaven  follow.  In  heaven,  not  in 
earth,  or  of  the  earth  are  his  armies,  but  in  heaven,  making  war  in 
righteousness  and  holiness,  patience  and  long  suffering.  This  is  his 
heavenly  army,  that  shall  overcome  with  him,  and  get  the  victory  over 
the  beast,  the  dragon,  the  whore,  and  the  false  prophet;  the  Lord  God, 
that  lives  for  ever,  hath  spoken  it.  The  lamb  must  overcome ;  and 
the  kingdom,  and  the  greatness  of  it,  shall  be  given  to  the  saints  of  the 
Most  High ;  and  they  shall  possess  it  even  to  the  end. 

Therefore  fear  not,  ye  little  flock,  whose  breathing  hearts  are  up- 
right before  God,  angels,  and  men;  who  have  the  witness  in  you,  that 
you  seek  nothing  but  truth,  righteousness,  and  peace  with  God  and  man, 
and  have  no  end  but  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  exaltation  of  his  name, 
by  the  raising  of  his  seed,  and  the  salvation  of  the  souls  of  the  children 
of  men ;  whose  feeding  is  in  the  green  pastures,  which  lie  in  the  low 
valleys  by  the  still  waters  of  Shiioah,  which  run  softly.  The  Lord  is 
with  you,  though  you  are  as  worms  in  your  own  eyes,  and  are  ready  to 
say  with  Maiy,  "How  can  this  be,  seeing  I  know  not  a  man?"  I  have 
no  might,  power,  wisdom,  strength,  or  ability  of  my  own.  Be  but  the 
virgin,  whollv  resigned  into  the  will  of  God,  with  thine  eye  single,  fixed 
in  thy  head,  and  the  power  of  the  Most  High  shall  overshadow  thee. 
And  the  kingdom  of  God  consisteth  in  power,  righteousness,  and  joy  in 
the  holy  ghost,  into  which  the  wise  virgins  enter,  who  are  the  followers 
of  the  lamb  (in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile)  through  the  great  tribu- 
lations. These  are  the  true  Israelites  indeed,  not  only  in  word,  but  in 
deed  and  in  truth;  these  follow  him  in  the  regeneration,  and  have  the 
white  robes  and  the  palms  given  unto  them;  these  sing  the  new  song, 
which  no  man  could  learn  but  they  that  are  redeemed  from  the  earth; 
these  sit  in  the  heavenly  places  with  Christ  Jesus,  upon  twelve  thrones, 
judging  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel;  these  are  they  that  are  beheaded, 
and  suffer  for  the  word  of  God,  and  the  testimony  which  they  hold. 
Mark,  they  hold  it,  and  do  not  let  it  go;  but  let  go  the  earth,  with  the 


199 


glorv,  treasures,  delights,  and  pleasures  of  it;  but  hold  the  testimony  of 
Jesus,  and  have  chosen  the  good  part  with  Mary,  which  endures  for 
ever;  and  let  go  the  cumberings  with  the  many  things,  for  the  one  only 
needful  thing,  the  word  of  God,  which  is  the  word  of  power,  of  life,  of 
patience,  of  reconciliation,  and  of  wisdom,  which  saves  the  immortal 
soul;  which  is  but  one  word,  which  was  in  the  beginning,  with  whom 
Enoch  walked,  and  was  translated;  which  is  God  the  judge  of  all,  unto 
which  we  are  come,  and  to  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  the  city  of  the 
living  God,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  where  is  no 
occasion  of  stumbling,  but  God  is  the  judge  of  all,  who  brings  the  hidden 
things  to  light.  But  before  this  is  witnessed,  there  may  be  stumbling, 
and  occasions  of  stumbling,  and  a  judgment  may  be  given  (before  the 
Lord  come)  in  the  unjust  man's  spirit,  which  is  for  judgment.  But  take 
heed  of  this  thing,  I  charge  and  also  beseech  thee,  O  Israel,  in  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  that  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever,  as  thou  lovest  his 
holy  name,  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  welfare  of 
thine  own  soul;  but  live  in  the  word  of  wisdom,  and  true  authority,  and 
patience  of  the  lamb,  and  dwell  with  God  the  judge  of  all,  in  whose 
righteous  judgment  and  before  whose  throne  judge  thyself;  and  let  the 
beam  be  plucked  out  of  every  eye  that  would  presume  to  judge  before 
the  time;  and  let  the  dread  of  the  Lord  be  before  it;  for  it  is  a  fearful 
thing  to  usurp  authority  over  Christ  Jesus,. which  is  the  man  that  must 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  and  the  people  with  truth,  who  saith 
to  his  disciples,  "be  ye  merciful,  as  your  heavenly  Father  is  merciful." 
And  they  who  are  children  of  their  heavenly  Father,  are  not  apt  to 
judge  rashly,  before  the  time,  out  of  his  counsel,  truth,  power,  wisdom 
and  fear;  but  rather  wait  in  patience,  until  the  time  comes,  even  the 
Lord,  who  brings  the  hidden  things  to  light,  having  an  eye  to  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  good  part  in  all  people,  as  well  as  salute  the  people. 
These  have  no  respect  of  persons,  neither  admire  men's  persons  for  ad- 
vantage sake;  these  are  not  in  prejudice,  or  evil  surmisings  against  any, 
knowing  God's  hand  is  going  over  all  these  things,  who  is  the  judge  of 
all ;  for,  where  any  prejudice,  respect  of  persons,  with  the  beam  in  the 
eye,  lodgeth  in  the  heart  of  any  man,  in  that  state  that  man's  judgment 
is  unjust  and  unrighteous,  whoever  he  be:  (I  speak  from  God,  without 
partiality.)  he  hath  not  the  mercy  that  God  hath  to  the  unjust,  and  the 
very  sun  in  the  firmament  will  teach  that  man  wisdom. 

Therefore,  my  dearly  beloved  friends,  brethren  and  sisters,  with  whom 
I  am  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life,  to  live  and  to  die  in  and  for  the 
righteous  cause  and  work  of  God,  which  is  his  truth  that  endureth  for- 
ever; this  is  my  exhortation  unto  you  all,  from  the  least  to  the  greatest, 
without  respect  of  persons  or  things  outward,  in  the  bowels  of  unfeigned 
love;  look  all  at  the  good  part,  which  is  of  God  in  yourselves,  and  dwell 


t 


200 


in  the  good  part  in  the  remembrance  of  his  mercies  and  loving  kindness, 
which  he  hath  showed  unto  you ;  and  shut  your  eyes  from  seeing  of  evil, 
and  look  only  at  the  good  part  in  all;  then  will  you  answer  the  good 
part  in  Jew  and  Gentile,  and  the  church  of  God.  Here  you  shall  he  able 
to  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings,  and  in  the  munition  of  rocks:  here 
ye  dwell  with  God,  the  judge  of  all,  and  the  spirits  of  just  men;  here  is 
every  high  imagination  and  thought,  that  would  exalt  self,  brought 
down  through  the  judgment  of  God,  into  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Here 
is  that  unjust  spirit  judged,  which  would  take  the  neighbour  or  brother 
by  the  throat,  or  lay  hands  suddenly  on  any,  which  Paul  charged  Timo- 
thy not  to  do. 

Therefore,  all  ye  dear  children  of  God,  keep  out  of  that  spirit,  and 
let  it  not  have  place  in  you,  no,  not  for  a  moment;  but  dwell  in  the  life 
and  wisdom  of  God,  the  judge  of  all,  where  you  will  feel  the  just  man's 
spirit,  which  can  judge  and  try  all  things,  and  be  established  in  it.  For 
I  have  considered,  that  this  is  a  day  of  great  trials  and  temptations  on 
every  hand,  and  of  the  making  manifest  them  that  are  approved  in  God's 
sight.  It  is  a  day  which  requires  retiredness,  fear,  watchfulness,  and 
diligence,  which  will  keep  out  of  being  easily  moved  or  provoked;  but 
your  hearts  will  come  to  be  established  in  power,  love,  and  a  sound  mind, 
in  which  your  compassions  will  flow  forth  towards  your  brethren,  and 
towards  all  men;  and  yc  will  feel  mercy  arise,  and  pity  towards  enemies; 
dwelling  yourselves  always  in  the  sense  and  feeling  of  God's  mercies, 
compassions,  and  long  sufferings  towards  you.  I  speak  what  I  know, 
through  the  exercise  of  my  faith  and  patience  concerning  these  things, 
and  I  have  found,  that  the  thought  of  prejudice,  and  evil  surmising 
against  any  man  or  creature  whatsoever,  is  judged  with  the  life  of  the 
true  seed  (which  lives  in  the  bosom  of  God,  the  judge  of  all,  which  can 
stand  upon  the  sea  of  glass  mingled  with  tire)  to  be  of  the  enmity,  which 
came  of  the  old  crooked  serpent,  the  bcguiler  and  separator  from  the 
tree  of  life.  Here  you  see  the  tale-bearers,  which  separate  very  friends* 
of  which  wisdom  spake,  to  be  very  near. 

The  Lord  open  your  understandings,  my  dear  friends,  for  my  bowels- 
and  very  heart  is  open  towards  you,  with  desires  and  prayers  to  God  for 
all  Israel,  that  they  might  be  saved  from  the  wrath  which  is  to  corneas 
a  flood  upon  the  ungodly  and  rebellious  generation. 

And  the  Lord  God  of  mercies  and  blessings  keep  us  all  in  meekness 
and  fear,  in  his  spirit  of  lowliness,  love,  and  forbearance,  in  tenderness, 
forgiving  and  forbearing  one  another,  as  God  for  Christ  (his  seed's)  sake 
hath  forgiven  us;  shutting  that  eye  that  looks  after  the  moat,  for  that 
is  the  evil  eye,  the  hypocrite,  gone  out  from  and  exalted  above  the  heir, 
the  life  of  God,  to  which  the  power  and  the  judgment  is  committed. 
This  shall  never  inherit  true  peace  with  God  or  man  in  that  state.  For 

\ 


201 


evil  thoughts  lodging,  and  being  joined  unto,  defile  a  man,  and  shut  that 
kingdom  against  him  into  which  no  unclean  thing  can  enter. 

So,  my  dear  friends,  and  all  you  whose  faces  are  turned  towards  the 
paradise  of  God,  from  the  earth  into  which  ye  were  driven  by  trans- 
gression, mind  these  things,  and  let  this  remembrance  be  always  fresh 
in  you,  "  that  you  bear  not  the  root,  but  the  root  bears  you."  And  this 
will  keep  you,  that  vou  shall  not  be  high-minded,  but  fear:  and  to  be 
little  in  your  own  eyes,  as  the  little  children  unto  whom  the  kingdom 
of  God  belongs. 

And  this  spirit,  before  mentioned,  of  forgiveness,  mercies,  and  long- 
suffering,  love  unfeigned,  gentleness,  and  patience,  dwelling  in  the 
watchfulness,  for  good  (in  the  wisdom  of  God)  and  not  for  evil,  is  the 
spirit  of  the  lamb,  whom  the  Lord  hath  said,  and  fully  determined, 
that  it  shall  prosper  and  spread  through  nations,  and  it  shall  have- 
dominion  over  them,  and  they  shall  bow  to  it,  and  it  shall  be  a  blessing 
unto  many  people  and  nations  afar  off;  and  the  everlasting  presence 
and  blessings  of  the  Almighty  shall  accompany  it  forever;  and  the 
gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  But  that  which  is  rash,  high, 
heady,  proud,  wilful,  foolish,  and  stubborn,  in  which  the  leven  of  the 
Pharisees  lodgeth,  God  will  lay  low,  and  abase  before  him;  and  all  judg- 
ment, which  is  not  his  son's  in  whom  he  is  well  pleased,  to  whom  all 
judgment  is  committed  and  belongs,  he  will  judge  and  condemn.  And 
him  that  judgeth  before  he  is  come,  who  is  Lord  and  judge  of  all,  and 
without  him,  God  will  judge. 

So,  in  the  spirit  of  the  lamb,  dear  babes  and  children  of  light,  go  on 
and  prosper,  and  be  faithful  and  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the  earth; 
keeping  low  in  your  own  measure,  every  one  marching  in  his  own  path, 
then  your  ranks  will  not  be  broken.  For  thus  is  it  written  of  the  camp 
of  the  Lord,  which  must  get  the  victory ;  for  the  enemy  is  very  busy, 
striving  every  way  to  draw  forth  your  simple  minds  from  the  strong 
hold  of  the  prison  of  hope.  Therefore  blessed  is  he  that  watcheth  and 
waiteth  always  at  wisdom's  gate :  for  there  is  the  simple  preserved 
in  meekness  and  fear,  love  and  patience,  godliness  and  brotherly  kind- 
ness, which  is  the  most  excellent  way.  This  is  the  path  where  the  lion 
cannot  corne,  nor  any  ravenous  beast  can  touch  this  mountain,  but  he 
will  be  struck  through  with  the  sling-stone  of  David,  or  a  dart  of  God's 
righteous  judgments.  Here  is  no  destroying  nor  hurting  in  all  this  holy 
mountain  ;  but  bearing  all  things,  enduring  all  things,  without  murmur- 
ing, complaining,  or  envying,  dwelling  in  that  love  which  thinks  no 
evil.  This  is  that  spirit  of  the  lamb  of  God  which  saveth  souls,  and 
overcometh  or  taketh  away  a  multitude  of  sins,  wherein  is  no  delight 
to  lay  open  the  brother's  nakedness,  (for  that  is  of  Ham's  stock,  which 
God  hath  cursed  for  ever,)  but  rather  a  secret  crvins  to  the  Lord  cor> 

26 


202 


cerning  such  things:  Oh  that  thy  name  might  not  suffer,  nor  be  reproach- 
ed through  any  who  profess  thy  everlasting  name  and  truth!  and  can 
say,  as  Moses  did,  "  Blot  out  my  name  rather  than  thy  name  should 
suffer,  or  be  justly  reproached  or  dishonoured  amongst  thy  people." 
This  is  that  which  is  raised  in  many,  which  they  love  more  than  father, 
mother,  wife,  children,  house,  or  lands,  yea,  or  their  own  life,  as  God  is 
witness.  Here  is  a  passage  through  the  daily  cross,  the  strait  gate,  into 
the  place  of  broad  rivers,  where  goes  no  galley  with  oars,  but  a 
stretching  forth  and  swimming  in  the  eternal  will  and  obedience  of  God. 

So,  lift  up  your  heads,  all  ye  tender  plants  of  my  heavenly  Father's 
own  planting,  from  the  virtue  which  you  receive  at  the  root  of  David, 
from  which  the  branch  of  righteousness  springs;  and  dwell  in  the  stillness 
and  patience,  in  which  ye  will  feel  the  bowels  of  God's  love  and  mercies 
opened  in  you  like  a  fountain,  at  which  ye  may  drink  and  be  satisfied, 
and  rejoice  in  God  your  saviour  in  the  midst  of  all  trials  and  tribulations, 
wherein  ye  will  have  strength  and  boldness  to  confess  his  name  before 
men,  even  to  the  death,  in  the  day  when  many  shall  hide  themselves 
for  fear,  and  for  looking  at  the  things  which  are  swiftly  coming  upon  the 
earth.  So  dear  babes  of  God,  and  children  of  the  stock  of  Israel,  put 
on  the  whole  armour  of  light,  and  make  war  in  righteousness,  in  the 
spirit  of  the  lamb,  in  whose  mouth  guile  is  not  found.  This  is  the  captain 
of  our  salvation,  who  hath  left  us  an  example,  that  we  should  follow 
his  steps,  whom  looking  to  and  obeying,  the  Lord  God  that  made  heaven 
and  earth  will  be  with  you,  and  preserve  you  all,  his  dear  children,  in 
and  through  all  your  trials  and  tribulations,  which  may  be  suffered  to 
come  upon  you  for  the  trial  of  your  faith  and  patience,  and  for  the  pu- 
rifying and  cleansing  his  sanctuary.  And  this  man  will  be  your  hiding 
place  from  the  storm  and  from  the  rain,  even  the  same  which  was  found 
the  rock  in  a  weary  land.  And  this  is  he  that  will  stand  the  last  upon 
the  earth,  and  get  the  victory  and  dominion  over  and  through  all,  of 
whose  dominion  and  kingdom  shall  be  no  end. 

So,  in  this  the  Lord  God  of  life,  of  heaven  and  earth,  keep  you  all  by 
his  eternal  power,  and  establish  you  on  the  immoveable  rock  of  salvation, 
that  so  with  one  heart,  mind,  and  soul  we  may  glorify  the  holy  name  of 
our  God  in  this  our  day  and  generation,  in  right  walking  before  him, 
that  so  we  may  give  up  our  account  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief,  and 
have  the  witness  in  us  and  for  us,  that  we  are  well  pleasing  in  his  sight; 
in  which,  whether  we  live  or  die,  we  shall  have  peace  and  joy  unspeak- 
able, and  full  of  glory. 

The  Lord  God  of  life,  love,  and  peace,  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  be 
with  you  all,  my  dear  brethren  and  friends,  and  preserve  you  all  in  his 
eternal  power  unto  his  heavenly  kingdom,  there  to  remain,  and  in  it  to 
rest,  when  this  world  shall  be  no  more. 


203 


This  is  given  forth  in  the  movings  of  the  bowels  of  God's  love  unto  his 
people  Israel,  and  in  the  remembrance  of  his  mercies  of  old,  and  of  his 
daily  compassions  towards  them;  which  is  as  an  entreaty  thereby,  that  ye 
may  all  remember  and  love  his  mercies,  walking  humbly  before  him  all 
the  days  of  your  life,  and  to  be  read  in  your  meetings,  as  in  wisdom  and 
conveniency  of  time  ye  have  meet  opportunity. 

By  a  companion  of  them  that  follow  the  lamb  through  the  great  tri- 
bulations, for  whose  sake  he  can  say,  he  loves  not  his  life  to  the  death, 
enjoying  that  love  which  is  stronger  than  death.  Blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord  for  ever.  Amen. 

William  Bayly. 


From  my  prison  at  Hartford,  the  Third  month,  1663. 


The  Lamb's  government  to  be  exalted  over  all  in  Israel:  who  is  the  captain  of 
their  salvation,  whose  right  alone  it  is  (in  whose  mouth  is  found  no  guile) 
and  not  any  other  birth,  spirit,  man,  or  image  whatsoever.  Or,  the  glory 
of  the  Lord  risen  like  devouring  fire,  to  search  out  every  false  birth  and 
false  spirit,  and  to  consume  antichrist  with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and 
destroy  him  by  the  brightness  of  his  coming.  Given  forth  in  the  movings 
(at  the  commandment)  of  the  captain  of  Israel,  by  one  that  followeth  him. 

Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing.  Rev.  v.  12. 

For  by  him  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  visible  and  in- 
visible, whether  they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers,  all  things 
were  created  by  him,  and  for  him;  and  he  is  before  all  things;  and  by  him  all  things  con- 
sist; and  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church,  who  is  the  beginning,  the  first  born 
from  the  dead;  that  in  all  things  he  might  have  the  pre-eminence.  Col.  i.  16. 

I.  A  certain  sound  (in  season)  to  awaken  the  mixed  multitude  through- 
out the  whole  host ;  and  that  all  may  come  to  the  trial,  and  search  and 
see  what  spirit  and  birth  they  are  of,  and  in  what  spirit  and  dominion 
you  rule  and  govern,  who  are  masters,  parents,  and  governors  of  families 
throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  &c. 

II.  An  exhortation  from  God,  that  none  within  the  camp  seek  to 
physicians,  (or  things  of  that  kind  outward,)  for  any  distemper,  weakness, 
sickness,  or  disease  whatsoever,  without  his  leadings  and  counsel  who 
leadeth  into  all  truth,  &c. 

III.  That  no  babe  among  them  should  strive  or  study  for  the  com- 
prehending or  attaining  the  knowledge  of  the  laws  of  men  or  nations,  to 
make  their  defence,  &c. 

IV.  A  dear  and  tender  salutation  to  the  blessed  seed,  and  children  of 
the  everlasting  holy  covenant  of  promise,  throughout  the  whole  creation. 

Jesus  Christ,  the  only  begotten  son  of  God,  the  holy  seed,  the  lamb 
slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  (that  lies  in  wickedness,)  in  whose 
mouth  guile  is  not  found,  whose  name  is  called  the  word  of  God,  whom 
all  are  to  hear,  whose  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  whom  God  the  Father 
hath  raised  from  the  dead,  and  appointed  heir  of  all  things,  and  head 
over  all  to  his  church,  and  given  him  a  name  above  every  name,  that 
at  his  name  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven  and  things  in 
the  earth,  and  every  tongue  confess  him  to  be  Lord,  to  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father ;  whom  he  hath  given  for  a  leader  and  commander  of 
the  people,  in  whom  alone  is  redemption  and  salvation,  and  not  in  any 
other;  this  is  the  captain  of  thy  host,  O  Israel;  this  is  thy  king  and  law- 


205 


giver,  thy  judge  and  saviour;  and  every  spirit,  seed,  motion,  or  thought, 
which  is  contrary,  opposeth,  or  riseth  against  the  life  of  this  pure,  righte- 
ous, precious  seed,  (wheresoever,  or  in  whomsoever  it  is,  or  appeareth,) 
is  of  antichrist,  which  the  Lord  God  will  consume  hy  the  spirit  of  his 
mouth,  and  destroy  by  the  brightness  of  his  coming,  without  respect  of 
persons.  And  this  hath  been  the  testimony  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord  in 
ages  past,  and  this  hath  been  and  is  our  testimony  (who  are  his  servants) 
unto  the  world  in  this  age ;  which  work  he  is  now  cutting  short  in 
righteousness  for  his  elect  seed's  sake,  in  whom  alone  he  is  well  pleased, 
which  has  long  been  pierced,  wounded,  grieved,  and  oppressed  by  the 
contrary  seed  of  evil  doers,  which  has  always  opposed  and  .exalted  itself 
above  all  that  is  called  God,  and  would  not  that  he  should  reign,  who 
is  the  truth,  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  whose  right  alone  it  is;  and 
for  whose  sake  the  Lord  God  Almighty  will  overturn,  overturn,  overturn, 
till  he  possesses  it  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

And  well  said  the  scripture,  that  "there  are  many  antichrists  in  the 
world,  and  many  false  prophets  shall  arise,  and  shall  deceive  many;  and 
many  shall  come  and  say,  I  am  Christ,  whereby  many  may  be  deceived," 
fcc.  Now,  this  I  do  not  only  read  without  in  the  world,  but  in  the 
world  which  is  set  in  man's  heart,  which  hath  been  deceitful  above  all 
things,, and  desperately  wicked;  who  hath  searched  it  out  to  the  full? 
or,  who  knoweth  it  perfectly?  or,  who  hath  sought  out  all  its  secret  cham- 
bers of  imagery? — Truly,  I  find  but  one  right  seed,  right  spirit,  image,  or 
birth,  which  rightly  seeth,  and  rightly  judgeth  all  things,  and  searcheth 
out  the  most  deep  and  hidden  things,  ways,  forms,  shapes,  turnings,  or 
spirits:  it  is  a  noble  plant,  a  noble  birth;  and  there  is  not  a  deeper 
speech  than  it  can  understand,  nor  a  form  that  it  cannot  see  to  the  foun- 
dation, or  through  the  vail  to  the  root  thereof.  It  is  the  elect  which 
cannot  be  deceived,  neither  will  it  deceive  any  who  join  to  it,  believe 
and  trust  in  it;  but  it  is  not  of  this  world,  neither  is  its  kingdom  and 
glory  of  this  world,  but  from  above,  (over  it,)  in  the  majesty  on  high, 
(from  whence  it  is  born,)  far  above  the  principalities  and  powers  of  the 
rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world,  the  dominions  and  glory  of  which 
are  but  its  temptations,  to  draw  from  the  more  noble  into  the  visible 
fading  glory;  heaven  is  its  throne,  and  the  earth  its  footstool. 

Therefore,  his  followers  must  be  redeemed  from  the  earth,  from  the 
world,  the  glory,  the  spirit  and  nature  of  it  within,  in  which  lieth  the 
ground  of  temptations,  and  the  deceivableness  of  unrighteousness,  and 
the  lying  wonders,  and  the  many  antichrists,  which  do  arise  in  the  se- 
cret chambers  against  the  appearance  of  this  noble  seed,  to  stand  in 
the  room  of  it,  to  satisfy  the  mind,  saying,  I  am  Christ,  to  wit:  I'll  give 
thee  satisfaction,  I'll  be  thy  food,  thy  guide  or  leader,  &c.  feeding  the 


206 


mind  with  falsehood  and  vanity,  till  at  last  it  proves  a  false  prophet, 
which  hath  deceived  and  cast  down  many  strong  men  wounded. 

Therefore,  hearken,  O  Israel !  to  the  voice  of  the  captain  of  thy  sal- 
vation, and  give  not  heed  to,  nor  believe  any  lying  vanity  within  or 
without.  Neither  be  thou  satisfied  with  a  false  conception,  or  false 
birth,  a  false  rest  or  peace,  short  of  the  election,  short  of  the  noble 
plant  of  renown,  the  wholly  right  seed,  whose  kingdom  is  not  of  this 
world;  this  is  the  heir,  against  which  many  false  prophets  and  spirits 
(antichrists,)  have  risen  up,  to  dispossess  him  of  the  inheritance.  But 
all  that  go,  or  climb  up  before  him,  are  thieves  and  robbers:  therefore, 
be  watchful  and  diligent,  for  your  adversary  goes  about,  seeking  whom 
to  devour ;  and  fear  always  before  the  Lord  thy  God,  O  Israel!  and  be- 
lieve not  every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits,  whether  they  are  of  God,  for 
there  are  many  false  spirits  and  false  births,  which  are  not  of  God,  but 
of  the  world;  and  the  day  of  trial  is  now  come,  in  which  things  that 
have  been  hid  shall  be  manifest. 

There  is  a  spirit  that  can  satisfy  itself  with  the  profession,  likeness, 
or  image  of  the  truth;  but  its  cross  and  burden  is  the  very  truth  itself, 
which  doth  discover  it,  judge  it,  and  cast  it  out.  Therefore,  take  heed, 
and  beware  of  that  spirit ;  believe  it  not,  but  judge  it  in  every  appear- 
ance ;  it  is  the  leven  of  the  Pharisees,  which  can  never  enter,  but  shuts 
up  the  kingdom  of  God,  with  all  its  righteousness,  comprehension,  and 
profession.  This  spirit  is  without  the  vail,  and  cannot  see  the  end  of 
those  things  which  God  will  abolish,  being  shut  out  of  the  holiest  of 
all,  in  which  the  secrets  and  wonderful  works  of  God  are  manifest  to 
them  that  fear  him.  So  this  spirit  judgeth  according  to  the  outward 
appearance,  and  not  with  righteous  judgment  This  is  that  bastard,  or 
son  of  the  bond-woman,  which  shall  not  inherit  with  the  heir,  the  son 
of  the  free  woman.  This  is  a  knower  of  men  after  the  flesh,  (the  flesh 
is  the  vail,)  and  a  respecter  of  persons,  and  loveth  the  praise  of  men, 
and  esteemeth  the  rich  in  this  world  more  than  the  poor,  whom  God 
hath  chosen,  rich  in  faith  and  heirs  of  his  everlasting  kingdom.  There- 
fore, beware  of  it,  let  it  have  no  place  in  thy  bosom,  or  within  thy  bor- 
ders, 0  Israel!  for  it  is  abomination  unto  the  Lord  thy*  God,  and  a  great 
oppressor  and  griever  of  his  seed,  and  a  contemner  and  secret  despiser 
of  his  mean  appearances  in  his  babes  and  little  ones,  in  and  by  whom 
he  will  confound  the  wisdom  and  glory  of  all  flesh. 

Again:  there  is  a  spirit  that  thinks  or  conceits  better  of  itself  than 
of  others,  because  of  outward  things,  which  it  seems  to  possess,  or  be- 
cause of  the  knowledge,  experiences,  or  trials,  which  it  hath  had  in 
days  past,  through  the  dealings  of  God  in  his  love  to  the  seed;  and  with 
these  things  decks  itself,  and  through  which  the  heart  is  lifted  up,  out 
of  God's  fear,  feeding  itself  with  the  manna  which  corrupteth.  This 


207 


is  a  disobedient  spirit,  an  imprisoner  of  the  seed  and  life  of  God  in  the 
particular,  and  an  oppressor  and  wounder  of  it  in  the  general;  and  it  is 
a  lover  of  this  world  secretly  in  its  heart;  though  it  seems  to  have  a 
beautiful  outside  or  covering,  the  sower  of  discord  lodgeth,  as  a  couched 
beast  in  its  bosom :  and  the  backbiter  lies  within  its  breast,  which,  as 
arrows,  it  will  send  forth  against  the  upright  and  simple-hearted,  which 
doth  discover,  see,  and  fathom  the  ground  and  foundation  thereof. 
Therefore,  beware  of  it,  judge  it,  and  cast  it  off  forever,  for  it  is  of  the 
old  leven  of  malice  and  wickedness.  It  hath  a  life  in  giving  heed  to 
reports,  yea,  false  reports  against  others,  entertaining  them,  and  report- 
ing them,  thereby  to  cover  itself  as  with  a  garment,  that  so  it  might  be 
esteemed  and  have  the  pre-eminence,  and  that  others  whom  it  pleaseth, 
may  be  disesteemed,  slighted,  or  undervalued.  This  spirit  the  Lord 
God  will  cast  down,  and  abase  unto  the  nethermost  pit:  it  is  a  robber 
of  God,  and  a  despiser  of  his  neighbour ;  it  is  very  near  unto  the  chains 
of  darkness,  in  them  to  be  reserved  unto  the  day  of  great  judgment. 

Therefore,  0  Israel!  follow  thou  the  Lord  thy  God  alone,  who  dis- 
covered the  very  secrets  of  all  hearts,  and  is  the  searcher,  tryer,  and 
finder-out  of  every  false  spirit ;  before  whose  presence,  and  in  whose 
sight,  all  things  that  have  been  hidden  shall  be  sought  out,  evidently 
seen,  and  made  manifest  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth :  for  the  day  is 
come,  in  which  no  shadow  of  death,  or  dark  covering,  shall  hide  the 
worker  of  iniquity  and  wickedness,  though  never  so  secret.  Therefore, 
remember  with  whom  thou  hast  to  do,  for  all  things  are  naked,  open, 
and  bare  before  his  pure  eyes.  And  see  thou  walkest  in  the  light  of 
the  Lord,  which  is  the  light  of  his  true  Israel,  and  remains  their  stand- 
ing dwelling-place,  which  shall  be  for  a  flame,  and  an  everlasting  fire 
in  the  hearts  of  all  them  who  wilfully  and  contemptuouslv  transgress 
against  him,  and  come  not  to  be  humbled  because  thereof  before  him. 
This  is  thy  God  and  Lord,  which  brought  thee  up  at  first  out  of  Egypt, 
the  dark  land,  and  hath  led  thee  by  a  way  thou  knewe^t  not:  who  gave 
thee  water  in  the  desert,  and  manna  in  the  wilderness ;  who  was  as  a 
cloud  by  day,  and  as  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  and  who,  by  little  and 
little,  did  drive  out  the  many  strange  nations,  that  thou  mightest  inherit 
the  promised  land,  which  remains  forever  a  rest  for  the  people  and  seed 
of  God. 

Now  he  called  thee  not  out  of  Egypt,  in  the  day  of  thine  afflictions, 
and  grievous  burthens,  si^hs,  groans,  and  tears,  when  thou  criedst  to  go 
forth  to  sacrifice  unto  him,  that  thou  shouldst  return,  or  make  thee  a 
captain  to  go  back  again  to  the  house  of  bondage;  but  that  thou 
shouldst  be  a  redeemed,  holy,  peculiar  people  unto  himself,  zealous  for 
truth,  righteousness,  and  every  good  work.  And  thou  mavest  remember 
that  thou  wast  charged,  in  that  day  of  thy  entrance  into  the  good  land, 


208 


"that  thou  shouldst  not  worship,  nor  bow  down  to  any  of  the  gods  of 
the  strange  nations,  whom  he  drove  out  before  thee,  neither  give  your 
sons  to  their  daughters,  nor  your  daughters  to  their  sons  in  marriage, 
lest  it  become  a  snare  unto  thee,  and  steal  away  thine  heart  from  wholly 
following  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  up  from  the  land  of 
darkness,  or  out  of  the  north  country,  where  thou  wast  driven  and  scat- 
tered upon  the  cold,  cloudy,  and  barren  mountains,  as  sheep  without  a 
shepherd."  Was  not  this  thy  state,  O  Israel!  in  which  thy  God  sought 
thee,  and  found  thee?  and  was  not  this  the  acceptable  year,  and  the  ap- 
pointed time,  or  day  of  salvation?  Didst  not  thou  rejoice  as  a  poor  cap- 
tive bound  in  chains,  to  be  delivered?  What  wouldst  thou  have 
promised,  or  what  couldst  thou  have  done,  or  left  undone  in  those  days, 
for  his  sake  who  then  appeared  for  thy  deliverancje?  Didst  thou  not 
say  in  thine  heart,  that  this  God  should  be  thy  God,  if  he  would  but 
give  thee  bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put  on,  when  he  'called  thee  as 
a  woman  forsaken  and  aggrieved  in  spirit ;  when  thou  couldst  have  put 
thy  mouth  in  the  dust,  if  there  might  have  been  but  hope?  When 
thou  satest  trembling  upon  the  ground,  and  lookedst  every  way  without 
for  a  comforter,  and  when  thou  wast  as  at  thy  wit's-end  in  thy  weari- 
some toils,  troubles,  and  anguish  of  spirit;  then  did  not  the  Lord  hear 
thy  cries,  and  remember  his  covenant,  which  was  made  to  Abraham 
and  to  his  seed  forever,  and  see  thine  afflictions,  and  come  down  to  de- 
liver? And  didst  not  thou  rejoice,  like  them  in  harvest,  at  the  appear- 
ance or  breaking  forth  of  this  morning?  Wast  not  thou  ready  to  call 
in  thy  neighbours  to  rejoice  with  thee,  when  the  Lord's  money,  on  which 
his  image  is,  was  found  in  thine  own  house;  and  the  sheep  that  was  lost 
brought  home  upon  the  shoulders  of  the  good  shepherd,  who  laid  down 
his  life  for  their  sakes?  And  when  the  Lord  withdrew  his  presence  for 
a  little  moment,  was  not  thine  heart  troubled?  and  couldst  thou  be 
satisfied,  till  thou  hadst  found  him  again,  whom  thy  soul  loved?  And 
when  thou  hadst  found  him,  didst  thou  not  say,  in  thine  heart,  "This  is 
my  beloved,  this  is  my  friend,  I  will  hold  him  fast  and  not  let  him  go, 
until  he  hath  brought  me  into  the  house  of  her  that  bare  him,"  or  into 
the  land  of  rest,  in  which  is  peace,  joy,  comfort,  and  satisfaction  forever- 
more?  Didst  not  thou  rejoice  when  Moses  came  to  Pharaoh,  king  of 
Egypt,  the  land  of  bondage  and  darkness,  and  charged  him  to  let  thee 
go,  though  it  were  but  three  days'  journey  into  the  wilderness,  because 
of  the  heavy  burthens  and  sore  afflictions  which  thou  enduredst,  under 
the  oppressing  task-masters  of  the  uncircumcised  ?  But  didst  thou  think 
what  would  befall  thee  in  the  wilderness,  the  many  holes,  and  pits, 
and  turnings,  among  the  wild  beasts,  in  drought,  hunger,  and  sdi*  tra- 
vel? Yet  how  did  the  Lord  allure  thee,  and  then  many  times  speak 
comfortably  unto  thee;  and  led  thee  by  a  right  way,  though  it  seemed 


209 


hard  and  strange  unto  the  murmurer,  and  to  that  spirit  which  would 
have  made  a  captain,  to  return  back  into  Egypt,  that  land  of  darkness 
and  bondage,  on  which  the  plagues  were  poured  forth,  because  of  the 
oppression  of  his  seed. 

Therefore  hear,  O  Israel,  and  consider;  who  is  a  God  like  unto  thy  God? 
or  what  man  was  able  to  do  these  things,  which  the  Lord  hath  done  for 
thee  by  his  own  arm,  which  he  stretched  forth  and  revealed  in  the  midst 
of  thee;  who  gave  thee  precepts,  commandments,  statutes,  and  judg- 
ments, to  direct,  guide,  counsel,  instruct,  and  strengthen  thee  in  the  way 
thou  shouldst  walk,  which  is  none  other  than  that  which  first  appear- 
ed for  thy  deliverance,  though  its  name  was  then  known  no  greater 
than  I  am,  or  the  light  of  Israel,  which  did  after  become  a  flame,  and 
the  Holy  One  as  a  fire,  to  consume  and  destroy  his  and  thine  enemies 
round  about.    This  is  he  who  said,  "  I  am  God,  I  change  not ;  therefore 
the  sons  of  Jacob  are  not  consumed."    This  is  thy  God,  who  command- 
ed thee,  saying, "  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  Gods  but  me,  nor  make,  form, 
or  grave  any  likeness  or  image,  to  bow  down  unto ;  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God,  am  a  jealous  God,  and  will  visit  the  iniquity  and  sins  of  all  them 
that  transgress  against  my  commandments."  Therefore  take  heed,  that 
thou  bow  not,  nor  give  thine  heart,  mind,  and  affections  unto  any  thing, 
visible  or  invisible,  but  to  the  Lord  thy  God  alone,  whose  name  is  but 
one,  and  changeth  not,  even  the  light,  which  makes  manifest  all  things, 
and  divides  the  darkness  from  it,  and  hath  no  fellowship  with  the  un- 
fruitful works  and  workers  therein;  but  doth  reprove  them,  though 
never  so  secret ;  and  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  who  taketh  his  name 
in  vain.   And  all  they  who  depart  not  from  iniquity,  and  whose  tongues 
are  not  bridled,  ruled,  or  subjected  by  the  power  of  the  Lord,  and  who 
are  not  thereby  guided  in  wisdom,  meekness,  and  fear ;  such  take  the 
name  of  the  Lord  in  vain ;  such  are  guilty,  and  shall  so  appear  before 
God,  angels,  and  men.  For,  as  I  said,  the  day  hastens  in  which  no  shadow 
of  death  or  secret  dark  place,  though  as  deep  as  hell  or  as  high  as  the 
stars  of  heaven,  shall  be  able  to  hide  the  worker  of  wickedness  under 
the  fairest  covering.    The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Therefore  again,  hear  O  Israel,  and  repair  with  speed  every  man  to 
his  tent,  and  none  look  out;  but  all  feel  and  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
God,  which  is  like  devouring  fire  at  thy  tent  door,  (burning  up  all  that 
which  is  contrary  to  him,)  that  thou  may  est  be  preserved  in  this  day  of 
the  Lord's  passover;  who  is  not  only  passing  over,  but  also  through  the 
very  hearts,  reins,  and  consciences  of  the  children  of  men,  with  his 
grounded  staff;  yea,  even  searching  and  trying  to  the  ground  and  bottom 
of  all  foundations  and  buildings:  and  he  will  fight  with  the  contrary,  (the 
dark  mountains,  the  false  foundations,  and  deceitful  coverings,)  with 
battles  of  shakings,  of  totterings,  ofstrippings,  and  rendings.  Yea,  the  vail 

27 


210 


shall  be  rent  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  though  it  be  in  the  very  tem- 
ple itself,  that  they  that  have  lain  in  their  graves  may  arise,  and  come 
forth,  and  that  he  might  appear  before  the  eyes  of  all  to  be  the  son  of 
God,  in  whom  is  no  guile,  who  humbled  himself  to  the  death  of  the  cross, 
and  through  it  came  to  triumph  over  principalities,  and  powers,  and 
spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places.  This  is  thy  captain,  O  Israel !  there- 
fore think  not  of  another,  nor  make  another,  nor  form  any  likeness  of 
him,  or  of  any  thing  in  heaven  or  earth ;  for  there  is  not  another  whom 
thou  art  to  worship,  follow,  or  be  subject  unto,  but  him  alone,  at  whose 
presence  the  vails  rend,  and  the  dead  arise,  and  at  whose  birth  and 
coming  the  heavenly  host  sing  for  joy,  but  the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn, 
(he  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let  him  hear,)  who  is  now  come  with  power 
and  great  glory  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  (not  of  the  earth,)  to  reward 
every  man  equally  according  to  his  works  and  words,  without  respect 
of  persons.  For  he  is  a  righteous  and  just  God ;  he  is  not  as  a  man,  that 
he  should  change,  alter,  or  vary,  from  what  he  was  in  the  beginning ; 
who  by  his  power  is  able  to  raise  up  children  unto  Abraham,  at  this 
day,  of  them  that  have  lain  among  the  pots :  therefore,  let  your  eyes 
look  towards  his  holy  place,  whence  he  ariseth  to  silence  all  flesh  before 
him,  and  cease  from  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils,  and  is  as  a 
worm  and  dust  before  him. 

And  know  this,  that  thy  God,  who  raised  thee  to  be  a  people  above 
all  the  families  of  the  earth,  and  hath  given  thee  great  dominion,  that 
if  thou  shalt  exalt  thyself,  and  say,  this  thou  hast  done,  and  the  other 
thou  hast  done,  and  secretly  takest  the  honour  and  glory  to  thyself,  and 
liftest  thine  heart  up,  out  of  the  uprightness  and  integrity  before  him, 
and  shalt  slight  his  mercies,  and  not  walk  humbly  in  his  sight,  but  forget 
his  wonderful  works,  and  to  ascribe  the  glory  due  unto  his  name ;  that 
he  then  is  able  to  rend  the  kingdom  from  thee,  and  give  thee  a  beast's 
heart,  and  drive  thee  out  to  feed  with  oxen,  even  among  the  beasts  of 
the  field.  And  this  God  will  manifest  on  such,  as  he  hath  divers  times 
amongst  the  sons  of  men,  that  all  flesh  may  fear  and  tremble  before  him, 
and  bow  at  his  name,  which  must  and  shall  be  exalted  above  every 
name,  and  ascribe  acknowledgments  of  mercy,  righteousness,  power, 
and  glory  unto  him  forevermore. 

For  this  is  the  same  God,  that  set  a  print  upon  Job's  heels,  and 
marked  all  his  steps,  whose  candle  had  shined  upon  his  tabernacle,  and 
unto  whom  the  rock  had  poured  forth  rivers  of  oil,  who,  when  he 
came  to  see  how  great,  and  how  powerful,  how  excellent,  marvellous, 
and  wonderful  the  Lord  was  in  his  unsearchable  ways,  ascribed  all 
the  righteousness  to  his  maker,  and  abhorred  self  in  dust  and  ashes, 
though  he  knew  his  redeemer  lived,  and  that  he  should  stand  upon  the 
earth  at  the  latter  day.  Therefore  take  heed,  that  thou  never  depart 


211 


from  him,  (from  his  leadings,  counsels,  commandments,  wisdom,  and  feaf,) 
who  hath  set  a  print  upon  thine  heels,  and  who  marketh  all  thy  steps, 
though  never  so  many,  or  in  the  most  secret  hidden  places:  whether  thou 
steppest  in  butter,  or  upon  a  rock,  the  Lord  seeth  all  thy  goings,  and 
unto  him  thou  must  give  an  account  for  all  thy  ways,  by  whom  actions 
are  weighed.  Therefore,  O  Israel,  look  not  unto  man,  look  not  unto 
man,  but  alone  unto  him  who  is  thy  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of  all 
his  people  to  the  ends  of  the  earth :  for  if  thou  do  but  a  little  stand  still, 
and  consider  thvself,  in  what  state  the  Lord  found  thee,  and  how  help- 
less thou  wast  of  thyself,  or  of  any  man,  but  by  the  power  of  God ;  and 
then  again,  how  the  Lord  alone  heard  thy  cries,  and  remembered  thee 
in  the  dust,  and  with  his  own  arm  brought  salvation  unto  thy  desolated 
soul ;  I  sav,  when  thou  considerest  these  things,  in  the  depths  of  God's 
counsel,  with  what  eye  canst  thou  look  unto  man?  Then  with  an  eye 
that  God  hath  opened  thou  will  see  all  llesh  to  be  grass,  and  the  glory 
of  it  as  the  flower  of  the  srrass :  when  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  bloweth 
upon  it,  it  soon  fadeth  away. 

So,  unto  him  who  commanded  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  and  gave 
light  into  thy  dwellings,  let  every  soul  within  thy  camp,  O  Israel,  be 
subject,  and  ascribe  all  glory:  for  he  is  the  first,  and  he  is  the  last ;  and 
besides  him  there  is  no  God,  that  is  able  to  deliver  thy  soul  from  death, 
and  thy  feet  from  falling.  Amen. 

Concerning  Government  in  Families ,  fyc. 

And  now  hear,  0  ye  tribes  of  Israel,  even  all  you  who  are  masters, 
parents,  and  governors  of  families,  or  teachers  of  children  and  youn r 
people.  This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you  all:  take  heed  to  your 
own  spirit,  and  see  in  and  with  what  spirit  you  rule  and  £overn :  for  all 
who  are  not  in  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  cannot  serve  him,  nor  be  service* 
able  to  him  in  their  several  places,  and  amongst  their  several  families, 
tribes,  and  congregations ;  unto  whom  every  particular  must  give  ac- 
count of  his  stewardship.  Therefore  see  that  ye  walk,  and  live,  and 
rule  in  the  spirit,  power,  and  wisdom,  of  God,  in  the  still,  quiet,  and  cool 
spirit,  in  which  every  thought  is  weighed  and  judged.  And  in  it  watch 
for  the  seed,  and  its  appearance,  when  it  ariseth  in  them  all,  amongst 
whom  ye  are  placed;  and  reprove,  exhort,  and  correct  in  the  dominion 
of  God,  and  in  the  wisdom  and  patience  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  in 
due  time  and  season,  even  in  the  feeling  of  the  leadings  of  the  seed  of 
God  in  yourselves.  And  for  the  seed's  sake,  and  the  Lord's  sake,  who 
searcheth  your  hearts,  wait  for  the  raising  of  it  up  in  all  your  families, 


212 


that  it  may  be  head  and  ruler  in  and  among  you  all;  that  the  blessings 
of  the  Lord  God  may  be  upon  you,  and  his  presence  may  bless  your  fa- 
milies, that  ye  may  be  a  blessing  and  a  refreshment  one  to  another,  and 
be  refreshed  one  in  another,  even  in  the  love  and  life  of  God,  which  is 
but  one  in  all.  And  rule  not  with  rigour;  for  that  savours  of  the  land 
of  darkness.  Nor  in  a  wrong  dominion,  in  conceitedness,  self-willedness, 
or  in  an  impatient,  brittle  spirit,  but  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  which  is  first 
pure,  then  gentle  and  peaceable;  in  his  fear  and  dread,  and  in  love  and 
meekness,  and  in  uprightness  of  heart  and  mind,  as  in  God's  sight,  doing 
all  things  as  unto  him,  who  seeth  in  secret,  and  will  reward  openly. 
For  the  seed  is  soon  oppressed,  and  the  evil  is  soon  strengthened,  by  a 
wrong  government,  out  of  the  true  wisdom,  in  the  wrong  authority; 
and  it  will  cry  to  God  in  servants  and  children,  when  it  is  grieved  and 
oppressed,  and  God  will  hear  it.  And  it  will  witness  against  such  parents, 
masters,  rulers,  or  governors,  as  do  not  answer  it  in  the  wisdom  and  love 
of  God,  in  their  ruling  and  governing,  reproving  or  correcting.  For  it  is 
the  even  balance,  that  will  let  them  see  and  feel,  as  well  you,  when 
the  weight  is  short,  or  when  it  exceeds,  in  all  your  words,  actions,  and 
carriages;  and  then  the  evil  being  present,  it  will  take  advantage  there- 
by, and  an  hardness  and  stubbornness  will  increase  in  and  among  them, 
and  a  liberty  and  strength  in  all  manner  of  evil,  when  the  witness  of  God 
is  not  answered,  and  the  seed  raised,  which  would  scatter  all  such  things. 

Therefore,  great  is  your  charge,  who  are  masters,  parents,  and  go- 
vernors of  families,  atid  great  should  be  your  care  and  diligence  for  the 
suppressing  and  keeping  under  the  rebellious  and  wild  nature,  and  the 
cherishing  and  strengthening  the  good  part,  in  all  your  families,  from 
the  least  to  the  greatest;  for  that  is  God's,  who  will  call  you  to  account, 
how  you  have  answered  it,  and  been  careful  that  you  have  not  hurt  the 
least  appearance  of  it,  and  whether  you  have  been  as  tender  of  it  as 
the  apple  of  your  eye ;  for  so  is  it  unto  the  Lord,  who  will  plead  its 
cause  with  all  its  oppressors  and  grievers  within  and  without,  without 
respect  of  persons. 

And  when  you  exhort,  admonish,  or  correct  them,  or  find  a  cause  so 
to  do,  then  wait  you  upon  God,  to  feel  his  presence  and  seed  to  lead, 
govern,  and  go  before  you;  that  Christ  Jesus  may  be  your  head,  and 
have  the  pre-eminence,  and  the  government  upon  his  shoulders,  whose 
right  it  is  in  all  things.  And  let  your  words  be  few,  seasoned  in  the 
savour  of  the  power  and  pure  gentle  wisdom  of  God,  cool,  quiet,  and 
low;  and  not  loud  and  clamorous,  heady,  or  wilful;  for  that  savours  of 
the  foolish  woman,  whose  feet  are  without,  which  buildeth  not  her 
house,  but  pulls  it  down  with  her  hands ;  but  the  wise  buildeth  it  up, 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God.  So  let  Christ,  whom  you  profess,  be 
known  and  exalted  head  in,  and  among,  and  over  you  all,  even  the 


213 


power  and  wisdom  of  God.  Then  will  the  Lord  be  honoured,  and  the 
seed  answered,  and  the  evil  be  kept  under,  by  him  whose  right  only  it  is 
to  reign  and  govern  among  the  children  of  men.  And  take  heed,  that 
for  want  of  watchfulness,  circumspection,  and  wisdom,  ye  do  not  dis- 
courage the  tender  appearance  of  truth  and  sobriety  in  your  children 
or  servants,  or  any  under  your  government,  by  reproving  before  others, 
or  out  of  due  time;  for  that  may  and  will  hurt  and  grieve  the  seed,  and 
beget  evil  thoughts,  stubbornness,  and  an  answering  again,  which  will 
arise  in  the  corrupt  part,  which  cannot  straightway  be  justly  reproved, 
because  there  was  want  of  the  right  authority,  wisdom,  and  discretion  in 
the  reprover;  though  something  was  reprovable,  yet  the  want  of  a  due 
and  right  management  thereof,  will  strengthen  the  bad  (with  a  witness) 
against  the  error  in  the  reprover.  And  so  here  the  work  is  not  rightly 
done  for  God  in  your  places,  neither  can  it  without  Christ's  leadings  and 
guidance  therein,  who  is  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God;  out  of  which 
there  is  nothing  done  right,  serviceable,  and  acceptable  unto  the  Lord; 
but  in  it  the  heart  is  made  wise,  to  discern  both  time  and  judgment. 

And  take  heed  ye  do  not  secretly  seek  to  bear  rule  over  others  by 
your  means,  or  because  you  have  more  of  this  world's  goods,  which  are 
all  of  the  earth,  and  return  to  the  earth  from  whence  they  came;  for 
that  is  the  leven  of  the  false  prophets,  and  false  spirit,  against  which 
the  woes  are  pronounced,  because  it  is  an  oppressor  and  secret  perse- 
cutor of  the  seed.  And  God  will  abase  that  spirit  wherever  it  is,  even 
in  the  sight  of  men,  and  bring  it  into  shame  and  contempt;  for  it  secretly 
accepteth  persons,  despising  the  poor,  and  admiring  or  extolling  the 
rich  in  this  world.  And  thou,  who  dost  so,  whosoever  thou  art,  shalt 
come  into  poverty  and  want,  and  be  contemned  and  disesteemed,  and 
cast  out  from  amongst  the  children  of  him  who  had  not  whereon  to  lay 
his  head,  except  thou  repent,  and  be  humbled  before  his  throne. 
For,  what  hast  thou,  or  what  art  thou  more  than  another,  either  in- 
ward or  outward,  which  thou  hast  not  received,  or  hast  by  permission, 
to  try  thee,  from  the  righteous  God?  to  whom  thou  must  give  account; 
who  will  change  times,  seasons,  and  the  state  of  things,  people,  or  na- 
tions, as  he  pleaseth.  Therefore,  be  low,  and  fear  before  him ;  for  he 
will  smite  all  the  proud,  covetous,  and  hypocrites  with  an  irresistible 
stroke,  whose  ways  are  an  abomination  unto  him. 

Neither  be  thou  self  conceited,  or  lifted  up  in  thy  thoughts,  because 
thou  hast  known  more,  or  been  convinced  longer  than  others,  or  hast 
done  more,  or  endured  or  suffered  more  than  others  have,  lest  the  evil 
eye  spoken  of  thou  comest  to  see  with,  and  thy  light  be  turned  into 
darkness;  for  God  can  and  will  do  what  he  pleaseth  with  his  own;  and 
"many  that  are  first,  shall  be  last,  and  the  last  shall  be  first,"  as  it  is 
written.    Therefore,  blessed  is  the  man  or  woman  that  dwells  in  the 


214 


sense  of  God's  mercies,  and  their  own  nothingness,  inability,  and  weak  - 
ness ;  for  this  shuts  out  the  Pharisee,  that  would  shut  up  the  kingdom, 
which  will  not  enter  itself,  nor  suffer  that  which  would.  So,  my  friends, 
remember  he  enjoyed  the  kingdom  who  was  little  in  his  own  eyes;  but 
when  disobedience  prevailed,  the  dominion  was  lost,  and  condemnation 
and  trouble  came  over  that  which  had  disobeyed.  And  this  is  just  and 
right  with  God,  who  doth  and  will  render  unto  every  one  according  to 
their  words  and  works.  Therefore  dwell  low,  dwell  little  in  your  own 
eyes,  as  the  little  child;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God;  and  such 
only  have  the  right,  authority,  dominion,  and  throne  given  them  of  God; 
for  so  it  pleaseth  him.  And  in  this  ye  will  answer  and  reach  to  the  seed 
of  the  kingdom  in  all  your  families,  and  in  all  people.  Here  ye  will  not 
hurt  the  tender,  nor  break  the  bruised  reed,  neither  strengthen  nor 
countenance  the  wild,  stubborn,  and  froward  in  their  ways ;  but  your 
very  life  will  reprove  them,  though  not  a  word  be  spoken.  Here  you 
rule,  in  the  true  dominion  of  the  Lamb,  over  the  beasts  of  the  field, 
the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea,  as  it  was  in  the  beginning, 
in  the  image  of  God,  in  the  blessed  state ;  in  which  dwelling,  and  being 
good  examples,  ye  will  teach  more  in  one  hour,  than  a  thousand  words 
every  day  in  a  whole  year  without  it;  and  the  witness  of  God  will  arise 
in  them,  to  justify  you  in  the  one.  and  to  judge  and  condemn  you  in  the 
other. 

Therefore  take  heed  with  what  spirit  you  rule  in  your  families ;  for 
if  Christ  be  not  head,  then  is  that  which  is  contrary,  which  he  will  con- 
sume, and  destroy  by  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  by  the  brightness  of 
his  coming.  And  if  he  be  not  your  head,  Lord,  and  king  (who  rides 
meekly  upon  the  wild  ass'  colt)  in  the  particular,  who  are  governors  or 
masters  of  families;  how  then  are  your  families  his  families  ?  and  how  are 
you  of  his  household,  if  Christ  Jesus  be  not  the  householder  or  governor 
in  and  among  you?  And  how  are  you  then  of  his  church,  if  he  be  not 
the  head  and  ruler,  instructer  and  leader  of  you  in  all  things,  who  is 
the  leader  of  his  people  Israel?  Consider  these  things,  my  friends;  for 
of  the  Lord  am  I  constrained  to  write  them,  for  his  holy  seed  and  name's 
sake,  and  for  his  truth  and  the  souls  of  people's  sake,  which  are  greatly 
oppressed,  grieved,  and  vexed  by  a  wrong  government  among  children, 
servants,  people,  and  nations.  And  let  none  be  secure  or  careless, 
without  the  feeling  of  the  pure  presence  of  God,  leading  and  guiding 
them  in  wisdom,  love,  and  peace,  which  keeps  the  heart  and  affections 
alive,  unto  the  Lord  God  of  truth,  (whose  throne  is  heaven,)  and  dead 
to  the  earth,  dead  to  the  world,  and  the  things  of  it :  for  who  come  to 
be  careless,  and  at  ease  in  the  flesh,  little  regarding  those  things  before- 
mentioned,  (even  God's  name  and  seed  in  themselves  and  others,)  are 
bad  examples  to  such  who  are  young,  simple,  and  tender,  and  stum- 


215 


bling-blocks  to  such  as  are  to  be  gathered,  in  this  day  of  God's  mighty 
power,  in  which  he  will  plead  with  all  flesh,  without  respect  of  per- 
sons; who  will  remove  the  candlestick  of  them  that  have  forsaken  their 
first  love,  except  they  speedily  repent,  and  do  their  first  works;  and 
will  spew  the  hike-warm  out  of  his  mouth,  as  loathsome  and  burthen- 
some  unto  him.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  such ;  whose 
zeal  will  perform  it,  and  the  day  is  at  hand,  in  which  he  will  come 
quickly,  and  fight  against  them  with  the  sword  of  his  mouth. 

Therefore  let  all  be  awakened,  and  see  where  ye  are,  and  what  spi- 
rit ye  are  of,  and  how  the  work  of  God  goes  on  in  the  particular,  and 
amongst  you:  and  whether  your  affections  be  on  things  above,  and  not 
on  things  of  the  earth;  and  whether  your  life  is  in  Christ,  the  seed,  the 
truth  of  the  most  high  God,  and  whether  you  follow  the  lamb,  in  whom 
is  found  no  guile,  w<hithersoever  he  leadeth.  If  you  do,  then  are  the  wise 
virgins,  with  the  oil  in  your  lamps,  seeing  with  the  single  eye,  as  "God 
gees,  who  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  who  hath  chosen  the  poor  of  this 
world,  rich  in  faith,  (mark,  rich  in  that  which  purifieth  the  heart,  and 
gives  victory  over  the  world,  which  justifieth  in  God's  sight,)  and  heirs 
of  his  everlasting  kingdom.  Then  you  love  in  the  love  of  God,  which 
is  unfeigned;  then  you  judge  all  things  as  God  judgeth,in  his  infallible, 
righteous  judgment,  and  not  before  or  without  him,  who  is  Lord  and 
head  over  all,  to  his  church. 

Friends,  I  preach  the  cross  unto  the  world,  and  to  the  nature,  spirit, 
and  ways  of  it,  without  respect  of  persons,  in  the  sense  of  what  God  is 
doing,  and  will  shortly  bring  to  pass,  that  no  flesh  may  glory  in  his  pre- 
sence. And  this  I  say  to  you  all  within  the  camp  of  Israel,  who  are 
of  the  mixed  multitude  that  came  out  of  Egypt,  and  yet  love  the  gar- 
lic, and  the  flesh-pots  thereof — that  love  the  earth,  and  stick  in  the 
earth,  and  save  self  alive,  and  hide  from  sufferings,  for  fear  of  losing 
the  earth,  or  your  reputation  among  men:  you  follow  not  the  Lamb  of 
God,  in  whom  is  no  guile,  who  humbled  himself  to  the  death  of  the 
cross,  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him ;  who  made  himself  of  no  re- 
putation, and  had  not  whereon  to  lay  his  head;  who  set  his  face  like  a 
flint,  because  of  truth  and  righteousness,  against  all  unrighteousness,  hy- 
pocrisy, and  wickedness  whatsoever,  without  respect  to  the  persons  of 
any,  possessions,  or  places  of  any.  For  which  end  he  was  born,  and  for 
which  end  his  followers  are  born,  (who  feel  him  born  within  them,)  even 
to  witness  for  the  truth,  and  to  stand  up  upon  the  earth,  and  plead  for 
it,  and  suffer  patiently  for  the  testimony  which  they  hold,  till  the  spirit 
of  life  from  God  arises  in  the  consciences  of  ungodly  and  wicked  men, 
lo  plead  his  own  cause  with  them.  You,  I  say,  who  are  of  that  spirit, 
of  self-saving,  you  have,  and  shall  have  your  reward,  as  the  Pharisees 
had,  as  the  mixed  multitude  had,  and  as  the  murmuring  Israelites  had; 


216 


God  gave  them  their  hearts'  lusts,  seeing  they  desired  it;  but  sent  leanness 
into  their  souk  This  is  your  state;  therefore  take  heed,  and  be  awak- 
ened, and  retire  back  to  the  foundation  of  God,  out  of  the  earth;  for 
the  Lord  will  cross  you  and  vex  you,  by  rolling  the  earth  out  of  its 
place,  and  will  abase  your  reputation,  and  bring  you  into  shame  and 
contempt,  till  you  know  that  the  Most  High  ruleth  amongst  men,  and 
governeth  in  the  kingdoms  and  authorities  amongst  men  and  people ; 
who  is  higher  than  they,  whose  the  earth  is,  and  the  fulness  of  it,  and 
not  yours.  You  must  give  an  account  to  him,  how  you  have  ordered  it, 
and  used  and  improved  it,  to  the  praise  and  exaltation  of  his  name,  and 
the  help  of  the  true  woman;  for  the  earth  and  heavens  are  hers,  and 
the  child's,  which  she  brings  forth  to  govern  the  nations;  and  you  are 
but  as  worms  and  grasshoppers  in  God's  sight,  who  can  crush  you,  and 
tread  down  the  high  places  of  the  earth  in  a  moment,  and  rebuke  and 
break  in  pieces  the  strong  nations  in  a  moment.    And  this  is  the  Lord 
God  of  heaven  doing,  that  all  people  may  fear  and  obey  him.  And 
these  things  are  coming  to  pass,  and  will  be  accomplished  by  him  that 
respects  not  the  persons  of  men,  but  will  reward  every  one  according  to 
his  ways. 

And,  my  friends,  judgment  hath  begun  at  the  house  of  God,  but 
greater  things  than  many  have  yet  seen  are  approaching;  for  a  short 
work  will  the  Lord  make  on  the  earth,  for  his  oppressed  seed's  sake, 
and  for  his  great  name's  sake,  amongst  you,  and  in  the  world.  There- 
fore expect  you  not  great  and  final  destruction  to  come  upon  the  wicked 
without,  until  the  temple  is  nearer  built.  For  I  tell  you,  nay;  you 
must  first  be  faithful  followers  of  the  lamb;  if  you  would  see  your  con- 
quest over  the  beast,  dragon,  whore,  and  false  prophet  (the  antichrists) 
without,  you  must  first  see  it,  and  your  victory  over  the  world,  and  the 
spirit  of  it,  though  faith  and  patience  within;  for  this  way  it  cometh  to 
pass,  that  no  flesh  should  glory,  but  be  abased,  even  to  the  dust,  from 
whence  it  came.  And  this  have  I  seen  in  God's  secret  counsel,  even 
how  he  will  accomplish  his  great  work  among  his  people,  and  how  he 
will  destroy  his  and  their  enemies  with  a  final  destruction,  even  like  a 
whirlwind,  when  once  it  ariseth. 

Therefore,  my  friends,  gird  up  the  loins  of  your  minds,  watch,  and  be 
sober,  and  wait  always  upon  God,  and  feel  your  hope  to  the  end,  and 
be  not  hasty,  but  remember  the  days  of  Noah,  how  the  Lord  was  long- 
suffering,  till  the  ark  was  finished,  then  came  the  flood  upon  the  world 
of  the  ungodly.  And  thus  is  the  son  of  man  come,  and  his  long-suffering 
to  us-ward,  ( who  obey  his  voice,)  is  salvation.  Let  him  that  readeth  un- 
derstand; for  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Noah,  even  so  is  it  now,  at  the 
coming  of  the  son  of  man;  blessed  is  the  eye  that  seeth,  and  the  heart 
that  understandeth,  and  keeps  out  of  that  eating  and  drinking,  marry- 
ing and  giving  in  marriage,  building  and  planting  there  spoken  of.  For 


217 


much  that  is  joined  together,  must  be  separated,  and  scattered;  and 
much  that  is  builded  and  planted,  must  be  thrown  down,  and  plucked 
up  by  the  roots ;  and  the  earth  must  be  burnt  up,  and  the  elements 
melt  with  fervent  heat :  for  hot  will  be  the  day,  in  which  all  the  un- 
godly shall  become  as  ashes  under  the  soles  of  the  feet  of  the  saints  of 
the  Most  High,  and  in  which  the  sons  of  Levi  shall  be  purged  and  puri- 
fied as  fine  gold ;  which  day  is  but  as  it  were  begun  amongst  many,  but 
it  draweth  near,  and  hasteneth  greatly.  Therefore  blessed  is  that  wise 
servant,  that  is  always  ready,  waiting  for  his  Lord,  and  who  is  giving 
his  fellow-servants  meat  in  due  season,  and  does  not  eat  and  drink  with 
the  drunken,  nor  smite  his  fellow-servants ;  for,  on  such  the  day  will 
come  unawares,  and  in  an  hour  they  think  not  of.  And  this  hath  the 
Lord  God  Almighty  proclaimed,  which  shall  sound  a  certain  sound 
throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  and  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Amen. 

So,  this  I  have  written  in  obedience  to  the  Lord,  that  I  might  be  clear 
of  their  blood  whom  it  chiefly  concerns,  and  concerning  whom  it  came 
into  my  heart  from  God,  to  lay  these  things  before  you;  for  I  have  de- 
sired of  the  Lord,  to  direct  me  aright  in  all  things  according  to  his  will; 
and  I  labour  to  keep  my  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  him  and  all 
men;  and  I  travail  and  pray  to  God,  that  I  may  finish  my  course  with 
joy,  and  give  up  my  account  daily,  and  at  the  last  with  joy  and  not  with 
grief.  And  this,  God  knoweth,  is  the  hearty  desire  of  my  breathing  soul 
unto  his  throne  for  you  all,  that  with  one  mind  and  heart  we  may  all 
press  forward  in  the  same  way,  which  is  the  steps  and  path  of  the  just 
one,  that  leads  more  and  more  unto  perfection,  out  of  the  imperfection, 
out  of  the  earth,  out  of  the  darkness,  and  the  old  levens,  into  paradise; 
where  man  was  made  a  living  soul,  in  the  image  and  likeness  of  his 
Maker ;  where  the  dominion  is  known,  and  the  blessings  enjoyed,  which 
make  rich,  and  the  pleasures  at  his  right  hand  which  last  for  ever: 
unto  whom  my  soul  ascribeth  all  glory,  praise,  honour,  and  thanks,  who 
is  worthy  of  all,  to  whom  be  it  for  ever  given  by  all  that  feel  breath  in 
the  land  of  the  living. 

And  now,  all  ye  dear  and  tender  breathing  babes  and  children  of  the 
most  high  God,  whose  hearts  and  understandings  the  Lord  hath  opened, 
who  have  cast  down  all  your  crowns  at  the  feet  of  the  lamb,  who  have 
forsaken,  and  can  forsake  all,  for  his  sake  in  whom  is  no  guile,  who  have 
obeyed  his  voice,  and  faithfully  followed  him  in  the  regeneration,  who 
love  not  your  lives  unto  death,  for  his  sake  that  was  slain  from  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world,  because  of  the  sweet  savour  of  his  precious  oint- 
ment, which  you  daily  feel  poured  forth  into  your  vessels ;  ye  only  are 
the  wise  virgins,  ye  are  the  redeemed  from  the  earth,  and  are  not  de- 
filed with  women,  the  weak  and  beggarly  things.  And  this  is  the  word 
of  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  that  lives  for  ever,  unto  you  all.    The  day 

28 


of  your  redemption,  the  day  of  your  sitting  upon  thrones,  the  day  of 
shouting  and  of  singing  hallelujahs  for  joy,  is  at  hand,  in  the  triumphant 
dominion  of  the  Lord  God  omnipotent,  over  all  flesh  and  unclean  spirits, 
over  the  raging  waves  of  the  sea,  in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  storms; 
yea,  over  death  and  hell,  and  the  gates  of  it,  which  shall  never  prevail 
against  you,  as  you  abide  on  the  rock,  as  you  inhabit  the  rock.  You 
shall  sing  praises,  yea,  high  praises  unto  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne, 
and  to  the  lamb  for  ever  and  ever,  who  is  worthy  to  receive  power, 
wisdom,  riches,  honour,  glory,  and  blessings,  for  ever  and  ever,  over  all 
in  the  highest — amen,  hallelujah;  who  giveth  you  the  victory.  Therefore 
faint  not;  for  unto  you  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God,  wholiveth  and 
reigneth  for  evermore,  amen. 

Israel  is  commanded  not  to  meddle  with  physic,  or  physicians,  fyc.  for  any 
disease  or  distemper,  without  the  leadings  and  counsel  of  the  Lord  their 
God,  #c. 

Dear  friends, — I  am  commanded  of  the  Lord,  and  it  lies  upon  me, 
in  the  fear  of  his  name,  and  in  the  bowels  of  his  love,  to  warn  and  charge 
you  whom  it  concerns,  that  I  may  be  clear  in  his  sight,  of  these  parti- 
culars following,  viz.  1.  All  you  who,  in  this  great  day  of  judgments 
and  trials,  within  and  without,  feel  any  distemper,  weakness,  sickness, 
pains,  or  any  disease  whatsoever — seek  not  to  physicians,  without  God's 
eternal  motion,  or  in  the  clear  freedom  of  his  life;  nor  let  out  your  minds, 
in  an  eager  seeking  a  remedy,  to  any  man,  people,  or  things  outward, 
but  as  the  living  God  alone  guides  you,  who  is  a  present  help  in  time  of 
trouble  to  all  his  children  that  wait  upon  him.  And  know  ye  this  for  a 
surety,  that  the  Lord  our  God  hath  made  known  the  tree  of  life  again, 
(unto  his  babes  that  fear  him,)  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of 
God,  whose  virtue  healeth  within  and  without;  blessed  and  praised  be  his 
holy  name  for  evermore.  Therefore,  all  ye  who  profess  the  knowledge 
of  God,  and  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  now  try  yourselves  and  your  faith 
concerning  these  things;  for  if  you  truly  know  God  and  Christ,  (whom 
he  hath  sent  to  be  a  prince  and  a  saviour,)  and  your  faith  stands  in  the 
power  of  God,  and  not  in  a  sound  only,  then  you  know  the  tree  of  life, 
and  him  that  gives  us  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things.  Mark  !  And  if  he 
gives  us  all  things,  then  he  gives  wisdom,  understanding,  and  counsel  to 
his  people,  in  all  things  needful,  how  to  walk,  act,  or  speak,  in  all  occa- 
sions and  at  all  times  and  places;  who  guides  the  meek  in  his  way,  and 
teaches  the  humble  in  judgment.  Therefore,  I  say,  wait  you  upon  God 
alone,  in  the  pure  fear  of  his  name,  for  counsel  and  instruction  in  this 
particular,  if  you  love  the  peace  of  your  own  souls;  and  seek  not  any 


219 


thing  for  a  remedy,  but  in  his  leading,  counsel,  and  wisdom,  and  in  the 
faith  of  God's  elect;  for  if  you  do,  it  will  add  to  your  trouble,  and  sorrow, 
and  distemper:  it  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you,  which  you  will 
know  fulfilled  in  the  end. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  dwell  in  the  light,  which  makes  all  things, 
states,  and  conditions,  manifest;  and  wait  upon  the  Lord  in  the  still,  cool, 
and  quiet  spirit,  for  the  right  understanding  of  your  own  particular 
state,  and  the  ground  and  cause  of  all  distempers,  diseases,  or  judgments 
in  your  own  particulars.  Else,  how  are  you  as  the  spiritual  man,  that 
judgeth  all  things,  if  you  know  not  the  things  of  God,  and  what  is  in 
man,  and  the  ground  of  all  distempers,  diseases,  and  judgments'?  Where 
is  your  dwelling  with  him  that  is  greater  than  Solomon,  if  you  know  not 
that  wisdom  which  gives  the  understanding  of  all  things,  from  the  hyssop 
on  the  wall  to  the  cedar  in  Lebanon?  How  can  you  be  wiser  than  ser- 
pents; or  how  will  you  know  the  furies  of  wild  beasts,  and  that  which 
bounds  and  limits  them,  if  you  know  not  the  ground  of  all  things  in  your 
own  particulars? 

Therefore,  I  say  again,  wait  upon  the  Lord  of  life,  and  think  not  your 
time  misspent  in  so  doing;  neither  give  yourselves  rest  till  you  in  very 
deed  know  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  tree  of  life  in  the  midst  of  the  garden 
of  God.  For  I  must  say,  in  the  word  of  the  Lord,  many  may  be  deceived 
with  the  apprehension,  or  a  name  to  live,  and  may  profess  and  talk  of 
him,  and  yet  be  dead,  and  ignorant  of  the  true  and  right  knowledge  of 
him  and  his  ways;  to  whom  he  will  profess,  he  never  knew  them.  Oh! 
that  this  fearful  day  and  sentence  may  never  surprise  any  of  you,  who 
have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious:  for  many  people  have  been  destroy- 
ed for  lack  of  knowledge,  and  of  a  right  understanding  in  these  things  be- 
fore-mentioned, not  knowing  the  intent  of  the  motions  of  God's  spirit 
within  them,  neither  discerning  the  Lord's  body.  For,  since  transgression, 
disobedience,  and  ignorance  of  God,'the  cloud  of  error  and  darkness,  have 
overspread  the  world,  the  ground  of  these  things  hath  been  hid  to  the 
children  of  men;  so  that  when  the  displeasure  of  God  hath  been  kindled 
against  them,  they  have  not  perceived  it  in  the  ground,  in  the  particular; 
but  were  apt  to  talk  of  it  in  a  general  way,  that  sin  is  the  cause,  when 
great  plagues  and  judgments  come  upon  a  people,  or  the  like;  but 
scarce  one  man  in  a  nation,  did  turn  his  mind,  and  wait  upon  God,  to 
see  his  will  and  counsel  in  such  things,  in  the  particular;  but  such  as 
did,  and  obeyed  the  Lord,  were  prophets,  who  cried  against  such  things 
in  the  general,  as  they  had  suffered  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  for, 
(who  had  subdued  them,)  in  the  particular.  And  so  the  Lord  God  hath 
often  sent  his  visitations  amongst  the  children  of  men,  and  his  servants 
to  warn  them,  that  they  might  be  awakened,  and  repent,  and  be  hum- 
bled before  him,  that  so  he  might  show  them  his  way,  and  guide  them 


220 


in  it,  which  is  a  way  of  holiness,  mercy,  and  truth;  and  that  they 
might  always  fear  and  dread  his  great  name,  and  terrible  majesty,  who  is 
able  to  do  whatsoever  he  will  in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth,  and  that 
they  might,  through  his  judgments,  come  to  be  redeemed,  and  reconciled 
unto  him  in  Christ,  the  everlasting  covenant  of  life  and  peace. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  wait  you  upon  God,  and  let  him  be  your 
fear  and  your  dread;  then  will  you  not  dread  man,  or  rather  the  furies 
of  wild  beasts,  or  serpents,  which  are  manifest  in  the  sons  of  men;  neither 
let  in  the  fear  of  death,  or  any  trial  whatsoever,  which  tends  to  the 
veiling  or  weakening  your  tender  life  which  you  have  felt  and  enjoyed 
in  God:  but  let  the  presence  of  the  mighty  God  of  worm  Jacob  fill 
your  hearts,  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in  hell,  and  also 
to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  them  that  fear  and  obey  him,  that  you  may 
feelingly  and  perfectly  know  and  understand,  in  the  light  of  the  Lord, 
all  things  that  come  to  pass  in  your  particulars;  then  shall  you  be  of  a 
right  and  sound  judgment,  concerning  all  men,  spirits,  and  things  in  the 
general.  For  none  can  truly  know  the  cause,  ground,  or  root  of  a  matter 
originally,  but  who  dwells  in  God,  the  root  that  bears  him  and  all  men, 
the  original  of  life ;  and  he  that  doth  not  know  aright,  may  easily  or 
soon  judge  wrong.  Therefore,  it  is  "  the  saints"  only,  amongst  all  the 
children  of  men,  that  are  able,  and  can,  and  must  judge  the  world — 
mark  ! — "  who  are  sanctified  by  Christ  Jesus."  Yea,  such  shall  judge  an- 
gels, who  dwell  in  him  to  whom  they  all  bow;  for  he  is  judge  of  quick  and 
dead,  and  from  him  is  no  secret  hid,  that  shall  not  be  manifest.  For 
he  is  come  near  to  judgment,  and  is  a  swift  witness  against  all  unrighte- 
ousness, and  also  his  tender  mercies  and  blessings  are  near  the  upright 
hearted,  which  is  to  them  as  the  former  and  latter  rain:  but  the  rebel- 
lious dwell  in  a  dry  land. 

So,  be  you  all  very  still  in  your  minds,  and  not  will,  or  run,  but  diligently 
heed  the  will  and  counsel  of  the  motions  of  God's  good  spirit  in  you,  which 
is  the  only  teacher  of  his  people;  for  he  hath  said,  "  My  spirit  shall  not 
always  strive  with  man."  And  he  is  the  "true  physician,"  "shepherd," 
and  "overseer  of  the  soul,"  and  will  he  not  oversee  and  take  care  for 
the  body,  (the  lesser,)  by  giving  wisdom  and  discretion  how  to  order  all 
his  creatures  to  his  praise?  Yea,  and  this  is  witnessed  among  his  babes; 
blessed  and  praised  forever  be  his  name,  which  is  their  strong  tower 
and  safety,  rock  and  defence;  and  they  need  not  another,  who  are 
come  to  dwell  in  the  holy  city,  New  Jerusalem,  that  came  down  from 
God,  the  quiet  habitation,  whose  walls  are  peace,  and  gates  praise  and 
salvation :  here  is  no  need  of  candle,  sun,  or  moon  to  give  light,  but 
the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it,  and  the  lamb  is  the  light  thereof.  And 
hither  is  the  J-^ord  God  of  endless  wisdom  and  compassions  bringing  his 
little  ones,  that  believe  and  trust  alone  in  him,  who  is  becoming  all  in 


221 


all,  in  his  faithful  children.  This  is  the  sum,  my  friends;  this  is  that  we 
have  waited  for,  to  which  end  the  Lord  hath  long  waited  to  be  more 
and  more  manifesting  his  grace  and  wisdom  unto  us,  that  we  might 
come  up  hither,  by  descending  lower  in  ourselves,  into  him  who  is  the 
root  and  offspring.  What  shall  I  say  of  him?  If  it  can  be  borne,  I  could 
say  much  in  the  infallible  counsel  of  God,  that  he  is  becoming  the  fa- 
ther and  mother,  feeder,  and  clother,  healer,  guider,  and  governor, 
yea,  all,  as  I  have  said,  unto  his  dear  lambs,  who  have  long  breathed 
and  panted  after  him,  and  cannot  be  fully  satisfied  till  this  is  accom- 
plished. No  borrowed  light,  no  moon  or  candle,  will  suffice  the  noble 
birth,  but  the  very  glory  of  God,  and  the  marriage  of  the  lamb,  to 
whom  it  ascribes  all,  having  received  all  out  of  the  bosom  of  the  eter- 
nal treasury  of  the  wisdom  and  compassions  of  the  Almighty.  And  so 
here  is  a  cry  heard,  with  a  loud  voice,  from  the  throne  of  God  and  the 
lamb:  "  Cease  from  man,  cease  from  man  in  all  things,  and  come  up  hith- 
er, ye  travelling  children,  and  you  shall  be  refreshed  and  satisfied.  It 
is  I  have  heard  your  cries;  and  if  man  at  any  time  have  had  compas- 
sion on  you,  it  was  through  my  bowels,  which  I  put  upon  him  to  that 
end;  therefore,  look  unto  me,  and  come ;  I  am  the  fountain  of  all  good- 
ness, mercy,  and  truth,  saith  the  Lord  God,  and  not  any  man;  for  they 
are  but  as  cisterns  which  may  break,  and  then  where  wilt  thou  be  for 
thy  daily  nourishment  and  refreshment?'  These  were  the  two  great 
evils  committed  in  the  days  past,  viz:  "They  have  forsaken  me,  the 
fountain  of  living  waters,  and  hewed  them  out  cisterns,  broken  cisterns, 
that  could  hold  no  water ;"  for  which  the  heavens  were  astonished,  and 
very  desolate,  and  afraid.  "Is  Israel  a  home-born  slave?"  (Read  Jer. 
ii.  11, 12,  13,  14,  and  consider  it  perfectly,  for  the  latter  days  of  consi- 
derations are  come.)  As  much  as  if  God  had  said,  "Is  Israel,  who  once 
wrestled  like  a  prince,  and  prevailed,  and  had  power  with  God,  and 
with  man,  &c.  become  so  ignoble,  as  to  forsake  me,  the  fountain,  and  be 
satisfied  now  with  cisterns  that  will  hold  no  water?"  Oh  this  was  a  horrible 
thing!  these  were  great  evils!  the  very  heavens  were  astonished  at  this! 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  let  this  saying  sink  deep  into  your  hearts; 
see  that  you  always  in  all  things  mind  the  motions  and  leadings  of  the 
spirit  of  truth ;  for  it  is  the  true  and  perfect  guide,  sent  of  the  Father 
to  guide  us  into  all  truth,  and  to  show  us  things  to  come.  And  he  that 
follows  any  man  by  word  or  example,  and  goes  from  this  in  himself, 
hath  committed  a  great  evil,  even  idolatry,  and  is  gone  from  the 
hearkening  and  obeying.*  This  is  the  witchcraft  spoken  of;  this  is  not 
to  be  suffered  to  live,  or  to  be  lived  in,  in  all  Israel  :f  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it.  For  worm  Jacob,  who  is  now  arising  in  the  strength  and  pure 


•  1  Sam.  xv.  22,  23.  and  Gal.  iii.  1.       f  Exod.  xxii.  18. 


222 


wisdom  of  his  God,  is  no  more  a  home-born  slave,  to  feed  at  cisterns,  or 
live  upon  husks,  or  to  be  deceived  with  any  likeness  whatsoever,  but  is 
filling  himself  at  the  living  fountain  of  the  riches  and  nobility  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  majesty  on  high;  and  so,  in  vain  are  the  snares  laid 
in  the  sight  of  him  that  hath  wings,  that  sees  them,  and  is  able  to  escape 
them.  For  there  is  a  remnant  that  stand  upon  Mount  Sion  with  the 
lamb,  in  the  innocent  life,  who  are,  and  can  freely  come  to  God,  the 
judge  of  all,  and  be  ripped  open,  and  stand  naked  in  the  particular;  and 
such  is  the  Lord  God  clothing  with  white  robes  of  his  everlasting  righte- 
ousness, which  shall  never  wax  old.  Glory  unto  him  in  the  highest,  who 
has  wrought  all  our  works  in  us  and  for  us.  Amen. 

So  remember,  the  spirit  of  truth  is  thy  proper  leader,  O  Israel !  in 
all  things  concerning  soul  and  body,  at  all  times,  places,  and  occasions, 
and  not  any  other;  nay,  though  an  angel,  see  thou  do  it  not;  for  they 
are  but  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  for  them  that  are  heirs  of  salva- 
tion, and  are  fellow  servants  with  them  who  are  led  by  the  spirit  of 
truth,  and  are  not  to  be  worshipped  or  followed  any  further  than  is 
agreeable  to  the  leadings  of  God's  spirit  in  thy  own  heart;  for  unto  him 
thou  must  give  an  account,  and  not  unto  angels  or  men. 

Now,  I  do  not  hereby  limit  the  Lord,  nor  his  people,  from  exercising 
their  pure  faith  in  any  thing  concerning  their  state,  either  inward  or 
outward.  And  as  for  the  things  before  mentioned,  concerning  the 
health  or  weakness  of  the  outward  man,  I  do  know  that  there  are  natu- 
ral and  accidental  causes  of  weakness,  sickness,  or  distempers,  which 
are  incident  even  to  God's  dear  children,  while  in  these  earthen  taber- 
nacles, for  which  natural  things  may  be  applied  in  the  leadings  of  the 
life  and  wisdom  of  God,  by  which  they  were  created.  I  say,  my  intent 
is  not,  neither  am  I  joined  to  such  a  spirit  as  to  impose  or  limit  the  mo- 
tion of  God's  spirit  in  any  thing  whatsoever,  but  only  to  limit  the  contra- 
ry, even  the  hasty  mind  and  spirit,  and  that  all  may  come  to  be  guided 
by  the  counsel  of  God,  out  of  ignorance  and  doubtfulness,  into  clear- 
ness and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  their  own  state,  as  it  is  in  God's  sight, 
and  of  the  virtuousness  of  the  power  of  the  resurrection  of  the  holy 
seed  in  themselves,  and  not  be  led  in  blindness  and  insensibleness ;  in 
which  state  are  the  errors  and  mistakes,  and  wherein  people  are  de- 
stroyed for  lack  of  true  and  sound  knowledge.  And  here  they  have 
applied  many  things,  and  are  apt  so  to  do,  even  natural  and  visible 
things,  for  spiritual  and  invisible  causes.  I  do  not  mean  an  invisible  dis- 
temper, merely  of  the  outward  man,  which  may  proceed  from  a  visible 
or  natural  cause.  But  when  God,  by  his  spirit,  strives  with  man,  in 
him,  and  smites  on  his  conscience,  by  reason  of  sin,  or  some  disobedience 
or  other,  through  which  the  Lord  beholds  guilt,  and  cannot  but  punish, 
which  causeth  even  the  countenance  to  change,  and  brings  judgment 


223 


upon  the  very  creature,  because  thereof;  I  say,  this  shall  never  be  re- 
moved, in  the  ground,  by  any  outward  or  visible  thing:  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it.  For  it  is  striving  against  the  Creator,  and  the  good  end  of 
his  gentle  chastisements  with  the  creatures  which  he  hath  created  for 
his  praise,  and  to  be  used  in  his  counsel  and  wisdom,  by  which  they 
were  all  created,  and  have  their  being.  .  So,  this  ignorant,  wilful,  im- 
patient spirit,  which  cannot  trust  God,  this  is  to  be  limited,  and  bound 
down,  by  the  dread  and  power  of  the  Lord,  that  the  innocent  seed 
which  can  trust  in  him,  which  hath  long  suffered  under  oppression,  may 
arise;  in  whose  resurrection  and  life  is  the  healing  and  blessing  of  the 
nations  that  are  saved,  which  are  forever  to  walk  in  the  light  of  the 
lamb. 

So,  let  all  be  subject  to  him,  that  gives  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things. 
And  be  not  hasty  when  any  trouble  or  distemper  comes,  to  be  delivered 
or  to  get  ease  from  under  it,  till  thou  in  patience  hast  seen  the  mind  of 
God  therein,  and  be  delivered  by  him  that  comes  out  of  Sion,  to  turn 
away  ungodliness  from  Jacob.  Blessed  is  the  eye  that  sees,  and  the  heart 
that  understands,  and  contrives  not  any  thing  in  the  will,  but  as  led  and 
guided  by  the  shepherd  of  Israel,  who  will  not  suffer  his  lambs  to  lack 
any  good  thing  for  their  body  nor  soul,  which  in  his  wisdom  he  sees  meet 
for  them.  And  that  which  is  not  subject,  is  the  carnal  mind,  in  which 
the  enmity  lodgeth,  the  death,  trouble,  and  condemnation.  Here  the 
lions  lack,  and  suffer  hunger ;  but  the  meek  shall  increase  their  joy  in 
the  Lord,  and  they  that  wait  upon  him  shall  run  and  not  be  weary,  and 
walk  and  not  be  faint. 

s  And  know  this  for  infallible  truth,  that  whosoever  useth  or  applyeth 
the  creatures  of  God,  even  natural  things  which  are  good  in  themselves 
and  places,  to  a  condition  not  suitable,  even  when  God  smites  upon  the 
conscience  for  any  disobedience  and  wickedness,  by  which  as  I  said,  the 
outward  man  comes  also  to  suffer,  being  partaker  with  the  spirit  that 
transgressed,  that  this  state  is  parallel  to  that  mentioned  in  Isaiah  xxxiL 
12,  13,  14.  When  God  called  for  fasting,  weeping,  and  mourning,  behold 
slaying  of  oxen,  and  killing  of  sheep,  &c.  which  was  iniquity  that  should 
not  be  purged  till  they  died. 

Therefore,  dear  friends,  think  on  these  things,  (which  are  but  a  touch 
of  what  might  be  spoken,  but  a  word  to  the  wise  is  sufficient,)  and  wait 
upon  the  Lord  alone  to  be  guided  in  all  things ;  and  do  nothing  hastily, 
out  of  his  fear  and  counsel,  which  only  is  known,  understood,  and  stood 
in,  in  the  still  and  quiet  waiting,  in  the  retiredness  of  mind  and  spirit, 
stayed  upon  him,  out  of  all  your  own  willings  and  contrivings  or  runnings, 
in  the  sinking  down  and  subjectedness  to  his  holy  will  alone;  that  he 
might  be  all  in  you  all,  and  you  as  nothing  before  him,  but  vessels  of 
his  honour,  praise,  and  glory;  to  whom  be  it  given  over  all,  Amen. 


224 


No  babe  in  Israel  to  study  for  the  attaining  the  laws  of  men,  to 
make  their  defence,  fyc. 

And  my  dear  friends,  who  have  no  knowledge  in  the  laws  of  men  or 
nations  which  are  in  the  fall,  and  are  in  such  things  ignorant  as  children, 
this  is  my  advice  unto  you  from  my  God  and  your  God ;  do  not  now 
study  or  strive  to  attain  the  knowledge  thereof,  in  any  case,  to  make 
your  defence,  when  you  are  brought  before  rulers  and  governors,  or 
their  judgment  seats,  for  the  name's  sake  of  Christ  Jesus ;  for  if  you  do, 
it  will  prove  like  Saul's  armour  which  David,  the  seed,  could  not  go  out 
to  war  with,  unless  you  have  the  knowledge  of  such  things  already  as  a 
servant  to  use  in  the  dominion  and  pure  wisdom  of  God.  For  this  I  have 
found,  (who  am  also  ignorant  of  such  things  as  a  babe,)  that  the  innocent 
seed  of  Jacob  need  none  to  plead  their  cause,  but  God  alone,  who  giveth 
strength  and  wisdom  in  the  same  hour. 

Therefore,  my  dear  and  tender  friends,  look  not  out  from  your  own 
measurses  received  of  the  grace  of  God,  which  is  sufficient ;  neither  con- 
sult with  flesh  and  blood,  by  reasonings,  disputings,  or  premeditations ; 
but  stand  single  and  innocent,  eyeing  the  honour  and  glory  of  God  in  his 
pure  fear  and  true  humility ;  for  in  this  alone  are  the  victory,  wisdom, 
and  blessings  obtained,  and  God  will  not  give  them  to  another ;  for  the 
battle  is  the  Lord's,  and  we  are  to  stand  still  (in  the  seed,)  to  see  his 
salvation ;  and  then  keeping  low,  this  will  glorify  its  Father  alone,  as  the 
Father  hath  glorified  it  with  dominion  and  peace.  And  consider  what 
law  or  learning  David  had,  when  he  came  from  feeding  the  sheep,  being 
but  a  youth  ?  And  what  weapon  had  he  when  he  slew  the  uncircum- 
cised  Philistine,  more  than  the  smooth  stone  in  the  shepherd's  bag,  (he 
that  can  read,  let  him,)  without  staff  or  spear,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord?  , 

And  they  marvelled  to  see  the  boldness  of  Peter  and  John,  who  were 
ignorant  and  unlearned  men  in  their  laws  and  letters;  and  the  Pharisees 
said,  "The  disciples  of  Jesus  know  not  the  law;"  and  also  of  him,  "Whence 
hath  this  man  learning,  seeing  he  knoweth  not  letters  ?"  Thus  did  God 
confound  the  wisdom  of  the  wise  and  prudent  in  ages  past  as  in  this  age, 
who  hath  always  chosen  the  foolish  things  of  this  world,  that  no  flesh  or 
fleshly  part  should  glory  in  his  presence. 

Therefore,  dear  friends,  let  no  babe  or  simple  one  among  you  be  dis- 
couraged, who  are  ignorant  in  the  outward  laws  and  letters ;  but  keep 
to  the  royal  law  in  the  heart,  written  by  the  finger  of  the  living  God, 
in  which  you  will  feel  the  springings  up  of  the  royal  seed  and  birth, 
which  fulfils  the  righteous  law  and  letters,  and  was  before  the  letters 
and  laws  of  men  were,  whose  heart  trusteth  only  in  the  living  God,  and 
makes  not  flesh  his  arm.  This  is  the  true  seed,  the  heir;  but  that  which 


225 


makes  flesh  his  arm,  is  the  seed  of  evil  doers,  which  shall  never  be  re- 
nowned. 

And  so,  my  dear  friends,  in  all  things  mind  the  leadings  and  coun- 
sel of  God ;  for  he  leads  his  people,  and  guides  their  feet,  in  the  way 
of  peace ;  and  he  alone  is  the  saving  health  of  all  nations ;  and  without 
him  they  can  do  nothing  that  is  good  and  acceptable  in  his  sight.  And 
let  your  eyes  be  towards  him,  who  is  invisible,  dwelling  in  the  light; 
and  neither  act  nor  speak  out  of  his  fear  and  counsel;  then  will  you  be 
preserved,  to  his  praise,  and  to  your  eternal  comfort  and  peace.  And 
whether  you  eat  or  drink,  or  whatever  you  do,  let  all  be  done  in  the 
faith,  to  the  glory  of  God,  for  what  is  not  of  faith  is  sin ;  so  shall  you  be 
kept  steadfast  on  the  immoveable  rock,  through  and  over  all  things 
which  may  come  to  pass  as  your  trials ;  and  be  upheld  in  the  meek  and 
quiet  spirit,  which  in  God's  sight  is  of  great  price.  And  in  this  is  the 
kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus,  and  the  victory  of  the  lamb  known,  who 
must  rule  and  reign,  till  all  his  enemies  are  put  under  his  feet.  Amen. 

To  the  blessed  seed,  and  children  of  the  everlasting,  holy  covenant  in 
the  life  of  the  lamb  of  God,  in  whose  month  is  found  no  guile, 
throughout  the  whole  creation;  a  most  dear  and  tender  salutation. 

O  thou  blessed  seed  of  the  promise,  who  hast  long  lain  as  in  the  clefts  of 
the  rocks,  and  hast  been  as  a  stranger  throughout  the  whole  wrorld,  and 
yet  liest  as  a  lamb  slain  in  the  streets  of  Sodom  and  Egypt,  spiritually, 
my  soul  breathes,  cries,  and  groans  unto  the  living  God  for  thy  sake,' and 
I  am  in  sorrow  and  pain,  as  a  woman  in  travail,  because  of  thy  great 
oppressions.  Who  knoweth  thy  sorrows,  thy  griefs,  and  thy  secret  com- 
plaints? Who  knoweth  thy  sighs,  thy  groans,  and  thy  tears,  amongst 
the  children  of  men,  who  art  as  a  worm  in  the  lowest  parts  of  the  earth, 
bearing  the  weights  and  heavy  pressures  of  the  iniquity  thereof?  To 
whom  canst  thou  turn,  to  the  right  hand  or  left,  to  unbosom  thyself  in 
the  depth  of  thy  inward  travails  but  only  to  the  living  fountain  from 
whence  thou  sprangest?  O  thou  lamb  of  God,  which  takes  away  the 
sin  and  removes  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  when  wilt  thou  yet  arise 
more  in  thy  beauty  and  glory  among  the  sons  of  men,  to  bear  the 
government  on  thy  shoulders,  whose  right  it  is,  that  thou  may  est  lead  them 
forth  "in  the  green  pastures,  by  the  fountain  of  still  waters;"  that  thy 
innocency,  tenderness  and  love  unfeigned,  might  be  known  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea  ?  For  thou  art  without  guile,  the  alone  pure  and  undefiled 
one ;  thou  art  harmless  as  a  dove  ;  thou  art  the  chiefest  of  ten  thousands; 
thou  art  altogether  lovely ;  the  world  knoweth  thee  not ;  thou  art  as  a 
lily  among  thorns,  and  as  an  apple  tree  amongst  the  trees  of  the  forest; 

29 


22(> 


thy  smell  is  as  Lebanon,  and  thy  taste  exceeds  the  pomegranates.  O 
thou  fairest  among  the  sons,  and  thou  most  beautiful  among  the  daughters! 
What  shall  I  say  of  thee,  O  thou  beloved  of  my  soul,  I  am  even  sick  of 
love,  my  soul  is  even  melted  in  the  breathings  of  thy  precious  life,  and  I 
am  even  ravished  with  love  in  thy  presence ;  for  thy  countenance  is  ex- 
ceeding the  angels  of  God.  Thou  art  terrible  as  an  army  with  banner 
to  the  ungodly ;  but  thou  delightest  in  the  upright,  humble,  and  contrite 
ones ;  thou  art  my  saviour,  in  whom  my  soul  rejoiceth,  and  my  spirit 
doth  magnify  thee,  O  thou  everlasting  sun  of  righteousness. 

Arise,  arise!  shine  forth  in  thy  strength  and  glory,  and  drive  back 
all  the  clouds  of  darkness  which  have  covered  the  earth,  and  the  gross 
darkness  which  hath  covered  the  people;  that  the  glory  of  thy  light 
may  enlighten  the  world,  and  thy  brightness  may  shame  and  confound 
the  glory  of  all  flesh ;  that  thy  dominion  might  be  known  throughout 
the  whole  earth,  which  is  an  everlasting  dominion,  and  thy  kingdom  of 
righteousness  which  hath  no  end;  that  the  nations  may  come  to  the 
glory  of  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness  thereof,  to  rule  in  thine 
eternal  counsel,  wisdom,  dominion,  and  victory  over  all;  that  songs  of 
praises,  deliverance,  and  triumph,  forever  and  ever,  may  be  sounded 
unto  thee,  who  wast  dead,  and  art  alive,  and  livest  for  evermore,  casting 
down  all  their  crowns  at  thy  feet.    For  thou  alone  art  worthy  to  rule 
and  reign,  and  to  have  all  honour,  glory,  strength,  wisdom,  riches,  and 
blessing.    For  thou  wert  slain  because  of  our  sins,  and  art  now  arising 
to  redeem  thy  people  out  of  kindreds,  tongues,  and  nations,  by  thy  blood, 
and  art  becoming  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords  in  us  thy  babes  and 
children.    Thou  art  the  tree  of  life  in  the  midst  of  the  garden  of  God; 
by  thy  virtue  must  the  nations  be  healed.  Thou  art  the  pearl  of  great 
price;  thy  worth  is  not  to  be  valued  with  fine  gold.  Thou  art  far  above 
rubies;  thou  hast  been  as  a  treasure  hid  in  the  field,  dwelling  in  the 
lower  parts  of  the  earth,  and  yet  above  the  highest  heavens;  both  which 
thou  hast  upheld  to  this  day  by  thy  power.    Thou  art  the  salt  of  the 
earth,  and  the  light  of  the  world,  though  they  have  not  known  thee, 
but  trampled  thee  under  foot  as  a  despicable  thing.  Thy  face  hath  been 
marred  more  than  any  man's,  and  thy  form  more  than  the  sons  of  men. 
Thou  art  that  just  one,  and  holy  child,  which  hath  long  been  as  a  ser- 
vant, though  by  right,  art  Lord  of  all.  On  thy  back  hath  the  ploughers 
ploughed  long  furrows.  Oh  how  have  the  smiters  smitten  at  the  appear- 
ance of  the  lifting  up  of  thy  tender  countenance!    When  this  I  have 
considered,  my  soul  hath  mourned  in  secret,  and  mine  eyes  have  trickled 
down  tears,  in  the  sense  of  thy  deep  sufferings;  and  yet,  had  it  not  been 
for  thy  sake,  the  whole  world  had  been  as  Sodom,  and  been  consumed 
like  unto  Gomorrah.  Oh  who  will  not  now  come  down  and  suffer  with 
thee,  that  they  may  also  reign  with  thee  as  kings  and  priests  on  the 


227 


earth !  For  now  thou  art  arising  in  the  greatness  of  thy  strength,  to  be 
avenged  on  all  thine  oppressors.  "Thou  hast  trodden  the  wine-press 
alone,  and  of  the  people  there  was  none  with  thee;  therefore  wilt  thou 
trample  them  in  thy  fury,  and  stain  all  thy  raiment;  for  the  day  of  ven- 
geance is  in  thine  heart,  and  the  year  of  thy  redemptions  is  come." 
Thou  art  the  King  of  Sion,  thou  hast  the  key  of  David,  and  the  keys 
of  death  and  of  hell,  who  ridest  meekly  upon  the  wild  ass-colt,  as  in  the 
days  of  old.  Come  forth  now,  0  ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  and  behold 
your  King,  even  the  lamb  of  God,  which  hath  been  slain,  in  whose  mouth 
guile  is  not  found,  that  taketh  away  your  sins;  and  follow  him  forever, 
ye  daughters  of  Abraham,  and  sons  of  Jacob;  "for  it  is  of  the  Lord's 
mercy  you  are  not  consumed,"  because  his  compassions  fail  not  toward 
his  seed,  but  remain  sure  in  his  covenant  for  evermore.  Amen. 

Therefore  now,  all  ye  followers  of  the  lamb,  be  ye  very  still,  low,  and 
watchful,  dwelling  in  the  pure  dread  and  humility  of  him  that  sits  upon 
the  throne,  and  of  the  lamb  for  evermore;  and  let  none  be  careless  or 
wilful,  lest  ye  be  found  in  the  degeneration,  from  the  spirit  of  the  sub- 
jection of  the  lamb  of  God,  who  is  come  to  rule;  but  in  his  life  stand 
you  upon  Mount  Sion  with  him,  with  the  harps  of  his  high  praises  in 
your  hands,  for  they  only  are  the  chosen  and  blessed,  who  are  faithful 
followers  of  him  in  the  regeneration.  So,  let  your  eyes  be  single  and 
your  minds  retired,  dwelling  in  the  good  shepherd's  tent  of  Israel,  hid 
in  him,  whom  the  world  knows  not,  where  you  will  feel  quietness  to  your 
immortal  souls,  and  peace  and  patience  to  undergo  all  trials;  for  this  is 
a  day  of  great  and  manifold  temptations  and  trials,  in  which  the  enmity 
works  every  way  in  its  full  strength,  among  the  children  of  men;  but 
its  violent  force  is  chiefly  bent,  as  a  mighty  flood,  or  full  current,  to  sink 
and  destroy  the  ark  of  the  testimony  of  God.  Feel  me  in  your  life, 
within  and  without,  ye  dear  children,  ye  simple-hearted,  breathing 
babes,  who  know  the  winnowings  on  every  hand,  and  how  the  tempter 
works,  to  draw  out  the  mind  and  affections  one  way  or  other,  that  he 
might  get  advantage,  to  spoil  your  resting  place,  which  you  have  in  the 
stayedness  on  God  and  simplicity  of  Christ,  and  to  keep  the  soul  and  un- 
derstanding clouded,  in  darkness  and  insensibleness,  hardness  and  blind- 
ness, to  be  lukewarm,  careless,  or  secure,  without  the  feeling  and  present 
enjoyment  of  the  pure,  refreshing  presence  of  God's  countenance.  Then 
he  hath  his  purpose,  who  seeks  to  devour;  for  in  the  darkness  is  the  root 
of  disobedience,  and  every  evil  word,  and  work.  Then  the  root  of  bit- 
terness will  spring  up,  through  which  many  may  be  defiled;  then  the 
self-will,  which  is  crooked  and  perverse,  ariseth  again;  then  the  pure 
savour  and  discerner  is  decreased,  and  love  waxen  cold;  then  the  ten- 
der, innocent  seed  suffers;  the  lamb  is  pierced  and  wounded,  which 
should  have  the  pre-eminence:  then  strife  in  the  high  mind,  out  of  God's 


223 


awe  and  dread,  gets  up;  then  the  strong  man  begins  to  keep  the  house 
again,  who  was  once  bound,  and  his  goods  spoiled;  then  the  meek,  that 
should  ride  upon  the  wild  ass-colt,  is  thrown  down  and  trampled  upon 
by  the  wild;  then  Ishmael,  and  Esau,  the  rough  man,  reigns  over  worm 
Jacob. 

God  Almighty  keep  all  his  babes,  who  have  tasted  of  his  heavenly 
gift  and  of  the  precious  virtue  of  the  endless  life,  out  of  this  state.  My 
soul  is  even  bowed  down,  and  the  travail  of  a  burthen  is  upon  me,  be- 
cause of  the  deep  sufferings  of  the  holy  seed,  and  the  oppressions  of 
the  poor  by  him  that  is  too  strong  for  him.  O  Lord,  arise,  arise!  and 
plead  its  innocent  cause  with  all  flesh.  O  all  ye  breathing  babes  of 
God!  abide  forever  in  the  pure  subjection  to  his  good  and  perfect  will, 
in  his  fear,  and  in  tenderness  of  heart.  Then  how  can  you  but  partake 
of  the  afflictions  of  your  brethren,  the  seed  of  Abraham? 

It  came  into  Moses'  heart,  (and  that  from  God,)  to  visit  his  poor  af- 
flicted brethren,  which  cried  and  groaned  under  the  cruel  and  heavy 
oppressions,  and  God  rewarded  him  according  to  his  works.  And  now, 
can  the  seed  and  children  thereof  mourn  and  languish,  or  be  sorrowful, 
and  I  not  feel  it?  Can  they  be  tempted  and  tried  in  the  wilderness, 
and  I  not  sensible  thereof?  How  can  this  be,  if  I  be  in  Christ  Jesus, 
who  is  afflicted  in  all  their  afflictions?  My  friends,  it  is  a  day  of  mourn- 
ing, of  weeping  and  fasting,  (let  the  wise  understand,)  though  in  God 
I  rejoice,  that  my  name  is  written  in  heaven ;  and  this  is  more  to  know 
and  feel,  than  if  all  the  devils  without  were  subject. 

Therefore,  ye  followers  of  the  lamb,  dwell  in  the  sense  and  feeling 
of  the  life  of  the  precious,  tender,  su tiering  seed,  that  you  may  know 
the  marriage  of  the  lamb  come,  and  rejoice  greatly,  because  of  the 
bridegroom's  voice.  For  this  makes  glad  the  upright,  and  the  weak  to 
be  as  David.  And  here  you  will  eat  your  own  bread  from  your  Father's 
hand,  which  he  gives  freely  to  the  hungry  soul,  and  be  kept  out  of  all 
strife  and  debate,  disputings  and  murmurings,  in  the  gentle,  contented 
spirit  of  the  lamb,  who  is  the  saving  health  of  all  his  people.  Here 
you  will  know  the  place  of  broad  rivers,  where  goes  no  galley  with 
oars,  no  toil  or  labour,  or  striving,  but  to  stand  still.  Here  is  the  begin- 
ning known,  and  the  glory  that  was  before  the  world  was,  or  the  hills, 
or  the  foundation  of  the  earth  were  laid.  Blessed  is  he  that  readeth  in 
the  life  of  these  things.  Here  is  the  place  of  defence,  as  the  munition 
of  rocks,  where  the  bread  is  sure,  and  the  water  never  faileth,  but 
issueth  forth  from  the  fountain  of  the  paradise  of  God  for  evermore. 
Here  is  the  lying  down  under  the  vine,  where  none  can  make  afraid. 
Blessings  and  thanks  to  him  that  lives  forever.  Here  is  the  returning 
naked;  as  we  came  into  the  world,  even  so  we  go  out,  carrying  nothing, 
and  yet  possessing  all  things.    Here  is  the  little  child,  that  enters  the 


229 


kingdom,  even  that  kingdom  of  heaven,  where  the  least  is  the  greatest, 
the  lowest  is  the  highest,  the  poorest  is  the  richest,  the  weakest  is  the 
strongest,  the  simplest  is  the  wisest. 

Where  is  the  disputer  now  ?    Where  is  the  glorier  in  the  strength, 
wisdom,  arts,  and  parts  in  the  spirit  of  this  world,  now  ?    Where  are 
the  wise,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  counter  of  towers  now?    Where  is 
the  high  professor,  and  great  talker  in  the  strong  towers  of  compre- 
hension and  imaginations  now  ?    Wliere  are  the  climbers  up  above  the 
door  now?  Behold  a  little  child  is  governor.    The  poor  man  which  was 
disregarded,  delivered  the  city  by  his  wisdom.    He  that  can  read  let 
him;  for  God  hath  made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this  world ;  and  the  seers 
are  blind;  the  sounding  brass  is  empty;  the  strong  are  become  weak; 
and  the  weak  saith,  "I  am  strong."    They  that  were  dead  are  alive; 
and  they  that  were  lively,  are  now  as  dead  men  on  the  sea  shore.  God 
is  turning  the  world  upside  down ;  the  lamb  shall  rule,  and  all  the 
beasts  of  the  forest  shall  fear  and  bow  before  him.    The  lily  shall 
grow  higher  than  the  cedar ;  the  beggar  shall  sit  upon  the  throne ;  and 
the  counsellor,  as  in  the  beginning,  shall  be  known,  and  judges  as  at  the 
first.    Blessed  is  he  that  readeth,  understandeth,  and  enjoyeth  these 
things.  God's  salvation  and  covenant  of  eternal  life  and  peace  are  then 
witnessed,  who  is  the  good  shepherd,  and  true  physician  of  his  people. 
And  this  is  thy  captain,  O  Israel,  who  is  made  perfect  through  suffer- 
ings.   Therefore  obey  thou  him  in  all  things,  follow  him  in  his  footsteps, 
who  leads  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  that  so  thou  mayest  be  partaker 
of  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  possess  thy  soul  in  his  patience, 
and  lie  down  in  his  eternal  will,  in  the  rest  prepared,  that  so  the  second 
death  over  thee  may  have  no  power. 

So,  my  dear  friends,  the  Lord  God  of  life  preserve  you  all  faithful, 
bearing  your  single  and  pure  testimony  for  his  holy  name,  in  this  your 
day  and  generation,  that  you  may  be  the  chaste  virgins,  and  entire  fol- 
lowers of  the  lamb,  in  whose  mouth  guile  is  not  found,  that  so  you  may 
give  up  your  account  with  cheerfulness  unto  him,  who  alone  is  worthy 
of  all  obedience,  praises,  honour,  and  glory,  over  all,  heaven  and  earth, 
world  without  end.  Amen. 

I  remain  a  traveller  in  spirit  for  the  restoration  of  the  oppressed  seed 
of  Jacob,  and  am  your  brother,  who,  in  your  measures,  are  in  the  same 
tribulations  and  patience  of  the  lamb.  And  unto  you  this  is  the  dear 
salutation  of  my  breathing  life,  in  the  bowels  of  God's  love  and  mercies. 
And  if  in  this  my  testimony  is  finished,  I  am  content,  and  made  willing, 
for  the  joy  and  rest  that  is  set  before  me,  to  lay  down  the  earthen  ves- 
sel, which  is  called 

William  Bayly. 
Prisoner  at  liar  (ford  the  2nd  day  of  the  8th  month,  10(53. 


A  few  seasonable  words  to  pass  through  Israel  as  a  warning;  that  all  may  take 
heed  they  do  not  betray  their  testimony,  in  this  day  of  trial,  and  hour  of  temp- 
tation, which  is  come  upon  all  to  try  them;  and  if  any  be  guilty  hereof  to  re- 
pent with  speed,  and  do  so  no  more :  for  a  short  work  will  the  Lord  God  make 
in  the  earth. 


He  that  went  out  from  the  son  of  God,  did  betray  him  into  the  hands 
of  sinners,  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  though  he  had  eaten  and  drunk 
with  him,  into  whom,  after  the  sop,  the  devil  entered;  so  now,  that 
which  goes  out  from  him,  the  reasoner  in  the  carnal  part,  the  visible 
part,  the  consulter  with  flesh  and  blood,  (into  which  the  devil  enters,) 
that  betrays  him  now  for  money.  Mark,  for  something  visible,  perish- 
ing, for  earthly  things,  the  things  of  this  life  or  world.  Therefore  let 
all  watch  over  that  part,  and  keep  it  in  subjection;  for  in  it  lieth 
the  ground  of  all  temptations.  This  was  profane  Esau's  state,  who  sold 
his  birthright  for  a  mess  of  pottage,  for  the  visible  fading  things,  to  satisfy 
his  belly,  the  earthly  part ;  then  sought  a  place  of  repentance,  too  late. 
And  this  is  the  foolish  virgins,  the  double-minded,  the  mixed  multitude's 
state,  the  false  spies,  and  the  murmurers'  state,  which  look  at  the  visi- 
ble things,  at  the  visible  opposition,  and  the  visible  help,  and  not  alone 
to  the  invisible  God.  These  go  down  to  Egypt  for  help,  the  land  of 
darkness  and  bondage,  and  trust  in  horses.  But  the  Egyptians  are  men, 
and  not  God ;  and  their  horses  flesh,  and  not  spirit.  Mark  that !  and 
these  God  will  pursue  swiftly,  and  smite  between  the  joints  and  their 
harness.  He  that  reads,  let  him  understand.  And  this  is  the  word  of 
the  Lord  God  to  you  all,  whose  state  this  is:  your  profession  of  the 
truth,  and  your  love  in  word  and  tongue,  the  Lord  loathes.  Ye  are  a 
burden  to  him,  and  he  will  shortly  ease  himself  of  you,  except  ye  speedily 
repent.  For  you  are  the  unstable,  the  slothful,  the  fearful,  the  mixed 
people,  the  waters.  The  whore  sits  upon  you,  you  bow,  you  fall  under 
her,  and  the  beast  which  carrieth  her,  having  received  their  mark  or 
image,  let  in  their  spirit  or  nature,  by  which  ye  are  overcome,  and  so 
give  them  ease  and  not  torment,  crying  secretly  in  your  hearts,  "Who 
is  able  to  make  war  with  the  beast,"  &c?  These  are  the  bad  spies, 
by  whom  the  good  land  is  evil  spoken  of,  and  not  of  Caleb's  spirit,  that 
wholly  followed  the  Lord.  Ye  are  faint-hearted:  such  were  thrust 
back,  and  such  now  are  shut  out  from  among  the  army  of  the  Iamb, 


231 


as  not  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  God.  Ye  are  they  that  will  make  excusei 
to  save  self  alive,  who  mind  earthly  things;  enemies  to  the  cross,  whose 
end  will  be  destruction,  except  speedy  repentance.  For  you  are  the 
discouragers,  the  traitors,  into  whom  the  devil,  the  God  of  the  world, 
hath  entered,  and  through  his  subtlety  and  the  fleshly  reasonings,  are 
you  deceived,  and  overcome  with  the  glory,  riches,  honour,  ease,  and  the 
reputation  of  this  present  world,  (the  "  exceeding  high  mountain"  temp- 
tation,) and  so  Christ  Jesus,  who  overcame  the  devil  in  these  things,  is 
not  your  way,  whatever  you  profess;  but  Esau,  that  sold  his  birthright, 
and  Judas,  which  betrayed  him,  through  whom  came  the  great  suffer- 
ings upon  the  noble  seed,  which  could  never  bow,  as  it  is  this  day.  And 
Caleb  rent  his  garment  at  the  report  of  the  bad  spies,  and  of  them  that 
said  one  to  another,  "  Let  us  make  a  captain,  and  let  us  return  into 
Egypt."*  These  were  the  provokers,  whom  God  would  smite  and  dis- 
inherit, that  they  should  not  see  the  good  land;  but  Caleb's  seed  shall 
possess  it. 

Therefore,  in  God's  fear  and  dread,  let  all  consider  these  things.  For 
he  that  bows  but  one  inch  to  the  devil  in  any  thing,  in  this  day  of  trial 
and  hour  of  temptation,  hath  so  far  betrayed  the  Lord  of  life  and 
their  testimony,  and  hath  given  their  power  to  the  beast,  which  maketh 
war  with  the  lamb  and  the  saints;  and  so  are  not  with,  but  against 
Christ,  the  royal  seed  and  birth,  which  can  never  bow  to  the  devil,  but 
sees  through  all  his  secret  twinings,  and  withstands  him,  till  he  bows 
under  and  leaves  him.  This  is  the  heir  of  eternal  life;  but  that  which 
goes  forth,  bows  and  betrays,  is  the  heir  of  eternal  condemnation:  there- 
fore, if  any  among  you  in  Israel,  be  in  any  measure  guilty  hereof,  or 
have  provoked  the  Lord  hereby,  let  them  lay  these  things  to  heart,  and 
with  speed  repent,  before  it  be  too  late,  lest  the  midnight  cry  overtake 
you,  and  then  you  strive  to  enter  when  the  door  is  shut. 

And  this  is  a  warning  from  God,  in  season,  through  an  earthern  vessel. 

William  Bayly. 

Prisoner  at  Hartford,  the  Eighth  month,  16G3. 

The  son  of  man  goeth,  as  it  is  written  of  him,  but  wo  unto  that  man 
by  whom  the  son  of  man  is  betrayed;  it  had  been  good  for  that  man  if 
he  had  not  been  bom.  Matt.  xxvi.  24. 


•  Numb.  xiii.  xiv. 


An  answer  to  a  Query,  published  in  the  News  book,  concerning  help  against  the 

Turk. 


Friend, — I  have  viewed  the  News,  published  Thursday,  November 
12,  1663,  in  which,  towards  the  latter  end,  I  found  this  query,  viz.  "But 
where  are  the  men,  that  in  this  mortal  extremity,  not  only  of  the  em- 
pire, but  of  Christendom,  must  put  a  stop  to  the  barbarous  rage  of  these 
blood  thirsty  infidels?" 

To  which  God  hath  given  me  a  seasonable  answer,  for  you  all  who 
are  thus  afraid,  in  these  words  following.  Repent  and  turn  every  one 
from  his  evil  ways,  and  from  the  wickedness  that  is  in  your  hands,  and 
do  that  which  is  lawful,  just,  and  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord;  and  let 
his  oppressed,  innocent  people  go  free,  out  of  your  jails,  and  stinking 
holes  of  cruelty;  and  withhold  not  liberty  of  conscience  in  matters  of 
worship  and  religion  from  any;  but  put  a  stop  to  the  flood  of  ungodliness 
in  this  nation.  Or  else,  (this  I  proclaim  in  the  name  and  authority  of  the 
eternal  God  of  heaven,)  ye  shall  be  broken  to  pieces,  and  no  man  or  men 
shall  help  or  bind  you  up,  and  that  which  you  fear  shall  come  upon  you. 
F or,  it  is  the  Lord's  controversy,  and  not  man's,  that  is  now  in  hand  with 
you  and  all  nations  upon  the  earth,  because  of  your  sins,  and  grievous, 
provoking  abominations,  which  are  come  up  before  him.  Therefore, 
look  not  for  help  from  Egypt,  the  land  of  darkness,  nor  from  men,  the 
arm  of  flesh;  but  fear  God,  and  tremble  at  his  presence,  and  repent,  and 
sit  in  dust  and  ashes.  And  remember  how  Nineveh  was  delivered  from 
that  which  the  Lord  had  once  threatened  against  them,  as  he  hath  at 
this  day  denounced  against  you. 

And  if  the  Lord  hath  raised  them  up,  whom  you  false  Christians  call 
blood-thirsty  infidels,  to  be  a  rod  and  a  scourge  to  all  idolators  and  hy- 
pocrites throughout  the  whole  world,  it  is  in  vain  for  you  to  strive 
against  them,  while  the  cause  of  his  wrath  remains  among  you.  For 
his  will  must  be  done  in  earth  in  this  case  by  them,  as  it  is  done  in 
heaven  by  his  poor,  despised,  suffering,  harmless  people,  who  wait  in 
patience  and  long  suffering  upon  God,  until  his  work  is  fully  accomplish- 
ed throughout  the  whole  earth. 

Therefore,  in  the  name  of  my  God,  I  say  again,  dread  the  Lord,  all 
ye  workers  of  iniquity,  and  repent ;  and  cease  to  do  evil,  and  learn  to 
do  well.  And  this  is  the  way  to  stop  the  wrath  that  is  kindled  against 
you.  For  the  Lord  God  is  calling  both  heaven  and  earth,  and  raising 
them  up  against  this  evil  generation,  because  of  their  rebellious,  abomi- 
nable, and  unspeakable  transgressions  against  him,  which  he  daily  be- 


233 


holds  amongst  you,  who  profess  the  name  of  Christianity,  but  are  as  far 
out  of  the  nature  thereof  as  the  Turks,  or  they  you  call  infidels.  And 
so  this  is  an  answer  to  the  query  aforesaid,  as  from  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord,  by 

William  Bayly. 

Let  this  be  printed  with  privilege;  for  it  is  from  the  authority  of  the 
most  high  God,  and  let  it  be  spread  throughout  all  Europe.  For  the 
dread  of  the  Lord  shall  be  upon  all  his  enemies,  and  his  life,  peace,  and 
dominion  in  the  hearts  of  them  that  fear  and  obey  him,  to  the  ends  of 
the  earth. 

This  is  the  copy  of  what  was  delivered,  soon  after  the  date  above- 
written,  to  the  hand  of  Roger  L'Estrange,  who  is  the  publisher  of  the 
Weekly  News,  and  did  put  in  the  query. 

W.  B. 


30 


Jin  arrow  shot  against  Babylon  out  of  Joseph's  bow,  which  greiv  up  from 
the  stem  of  Jesse,  the  root  and  offspring  of  David,  and  was  bent  by  the 
archer  of  Israel,  which  hath  struck  at  Cain's  mark,  from  Paradise  into 
the  Land  of  Nod,  and  hath  lighted  in  the  skirts  of  the  great  whore  to 
the  discovering  the  mother  or  original  of  harlots,  and  all  abominations  of 
the  earth;  tracing  her  in  her  footsteps,  [with  all  her  companions  and  mer- 
chants, the  beast,  dragon,  and  false  prophet,)  by  the  blood  of  the  prophets 
and  saints,  and  of  all  that  were  slain  upon  the  earth. 

And  also,  pursuing  her  from  her  birth,  or  the  serpent's  hole  out  of  which 
she  came,  to  her  latter  end,  ivhich  is  the  bottomless  pit,  or  lake  of  fire, 
into  which  she  must  return. 


Put  yourselves  in  array  against  Babylon  round  about,  all  ye  that  bend  the  bow;  shoot 
at  her,  spare  no  arrows;  for  she  hath  sinned  against  the  Lord.  Jer.  1.  14. 

For  thy  merchants  were  the  great  men  of  the  earth;  for  by  thy  sorceries  were  all 
nations  deceived:  and  in  her  was  found  the  blood  of  prophets,  and  of  saints,  and  of  all 
that  were  slain  upon  the  earth.  Rev.  xviii.  23,  24. 


This  is  a  visitation  and  warning  once  more  from  God,  unto  all  such 
rulers,  teachers,  and  people  in  England,  who  are  or  may  be  persecutors 
about  religion  and  worship,  that  they  may  yet  flee  out  of  Babylon  (mys- 
tery Babylon,)  the  great  whore,  which  hath  sat  upon  nations,  and 
reigned  over  the  kings  of  the  earth,  that  they  may  partake  no  longer  of 
her  sins,  lest  they  partake  of  her  perpetual  plagues,  which  come  swiftly 
upon  her  in  one  day. 

With  a  few  questions  concerning  the  devil,  and  Cain,  and  the  whore, 
and  the  dragon,  and  the  beast,  and  false  prophet;  whence  they  came, 
and  where  they  are,  and  how  they  may  be  known,  and  whither  they 
must  all  go  together  in  the  end. 

And  this  may  serve  as  a  glass  for  all  false  Christendom  to  behold 
themselves,  and  try  their  ways,  and  see  what  spirit  and  church  they  are 
of,  and  whose  children  they  are.  If  ye  were  Abraham's  children,  ye 
would  do  the  works  of  Abraham. 


In  the  beginning,  before  transgression,  man  was  in  paradise,  the  gar- 
den of  God,  made  in  his  own  image  and  likeness,  and  was  in  unity  and 
peace  with  him,  in  the  innocent,  meek,  tender,  holy,  upright  life  in 
which  he  was  formed,  in  which  state  he  stood  with  God,  as  a  child  with 
a  father,  or  as  a  wife  with  a  husband,  without  variance,  distance  or 
enmity  between  them.    And  God's  blessings  were  upon  them  in  this 


235 


their  innocent,  lowly,  obedient  state ;  till  at  length  another  spirit  got 
an  entrance,  by  desiring  (or  letting  the  desire  go  out  after  the  eye)  to 
be  more  knowing  and  wise  in  the  mysteries  of  the  outward  creation  and 
visible  things,  etc.  which  soon  captivated  the  tender,  simple,  upright 
mind,  and  beguiled  it  from  its  own  proper  life  and  being,  in  which  it 
was  made  a  living  soul.    For  they  did  not  only  taste  but  eat,  and  that 
brought  the  death  over  them,  as  it  is  written  ;*  for  they  entered  into  a 
secret  false  joy  of  what  they  had  attained  to,  and  a  satisfaction  they  got 
in  the  sensual  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  things,  and  so  grew  conceited, 
that  ''they  were  as  gods,  knowing  good  and  evil,"  &c.    And  so  through 
this  aspiring  spirit,  or  motion,  which  began  to  spring  up  in  their  minds, 
a  secret  strife  or  enmity  began  to  arise  between  the  innocent  life  and 
it,  for  there  was  a  contrariety  between  them.    But  they  eat  of  the 
tree  of  knowledge,  which  beguiled  them  from  the  tree  of  life  in  the 
midst  of  the  paradise  of  God.    This  was  Adam's  fall,  going  outward 
with  his  mind  from  the  guidance,  rule,  and  dominion  of  the  innocent 
upright  life, by  which  he  was  made  aliving  soul;  feeding  in  the  aspectings 
and  viewings  of  the  visible  things',  the  mystery  and  secrets  of  which 
were  hid  from  him  in  that  life  from  which  he  was  departed,  and  he 
only  could  retain  but  strong  imaginations  of  them,  which  puffed  him  up. 
So  now  he  became  a  griever  and  an  oppressor  of  God's  good  spirit;  and 
it  became  a  reprover  and  troubler  of  him  by  reason  of  his  disobedience 
against  it,  and  departure  from  it,  and  he  was  now  afraid  of  God's  voice, 
having  done  that  which  was  contrary  to  him;  and  then  to  get  peace, 
he  sowed  fig-leaves  to  make  themselves  coverings,  but  all  would  not  do 
while  the  tree  of  knowledge  was  fed  upon,  which  was  good  in  its  place, 
but  forbidden  to  feed  upon,  because  it  beguiled  from  the  tree  of  life, 
"being  pleasant  to  the  eye,  and  desirable  to  make  one  wise,"  &c.  and 
the  world  by  wisdom  knows  not  God.  So  by  it  they  lost  the  knowledge, 
and  unity,  and  peace  of  God,  and  were  driven  into  the  earth,  and  shut 
out  of  the  paradise  of  God,  and  became  veiled  in  the  enmity,  pride,  and 
pleasures  of  the  earthly  or  sensual  part,  which  followed  that  aspiring 
motion  of  the  subtle  serpent  or  adulterer  that  led  out  from  God,  like 
the  harlot  Solomon  speaks  of,  that  was  subtle  of  heart,  whom  the 
young  man  followed,  as  an  ox  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a  fool  to  the  cor- 
rection of  the  stocks,  and  knew  not  that  it  was  for  his  life,  and  that  her 
paths  led  to  the  chambers  of  death,  and  her  steps  take  hold  of  hell. 
This  is  the  thing :  Adam  was  very  young,  and  the  harlot  subtle,  so  was 
he  deceived.    For  the  one  enticed,  and  the  other  consented  and  follow- 
ed, not  knowing  it  was  for  his  life,  though  God  had  said,  he  should  surely 
die.    But  this  tempter  led  out  the  mind  from  the  sense  of  the  good  man 


*  Gen.  ii.  17. 


236 


of  the  house ;  with  her  bed  of  pleasures  and  delights,  and  with  enticing 
words  she  forced  him,  but  the  end  was  bitter  as  wormwood,  as  hath 
been  known  by  woful  experience.  For  here  was  the  first  carrying  away 
captive  into  Babylon,  the  mystery  of  which  the  outward  was  but  a 
figure,  and  the  first  draught  of  the  whore's  cup  of  fornication  was  now 
drunk,  by  which  the  just,  innocent  life  suffered,  as  one  might  sav,  even 
in  the  womb.  And  in  Cain  and  Abel,  the  two  seeds  or  spirits  were 
clearly  manifest,  the  one  in  pride,  fury,  enmity,  murder,  drinking  his 
brother's  blood,  and  the  other  the  sufferer  by  him,  (in  the  patience,) 
whose  blood  had  a  voice  that  cried  unto  God  from  the  ground.  And 
yet  it  is  said  of  Babylon,  that  in  her  is  found  the  blood  of  the  martyrs, 
and  prophets,  and  of  all  the  saints  that  have  been  slain  upon  the  earth, 
(then  Cain  was  in  Babylon,)  which  is  now  called  the  great  whore.  And 
the  controversy  between  Cain  and  Abel  was  about  sacrifice  and  wor- 
ship. This  hath  spread,  (even  the  spirit  of  whoredoms,  enmity,  and 
wickedness,)  over  the  world ;  and  Cain's  mark  hath  been  apparent  among 
multitudes,  peoples,  tongues,  and  languages, killing  and  persecuting  about 
religion  and  worship.  This  is  the  great  whore,  which  hath  sat  upon 
many  waters,  and  reigned  over  the  kings  of  the  earth,  over  multitudes, 
tongues,  peoples,  and  languages.*  They  are  the  waters,  on  which  the 
whore  sits,  the  unstable  people,  in  the  unstable  state,  tossing  up  and 
down  in  confusion,  restless,  full  of  stirs,  a  tumultuous  city.  These  are 
the  waters,  the  swelling,  the  roaring,  the  foaming,  the  tossing.  "  The 
wicked  are  like  the  troubled  sea,  which  cannot  rest,  whose  waves  cast 
up  mire  and  dirt."  And  "  there  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked,  saith  my 
God."  These  are  the  waters  on  which  the  whore  sits.  This  was  Cain's 
state,  w£io  had  drunk  the  whore's  cup,  and  killed  the  just  about  sacri- 
fice, driven  from  God,  a  vagabond,  no  peace,  but  great  punishment, 
greater  than  he  could  bear.  And  the  wicked  foam  out  their  own  shame, 
like  the  raging  sea,  drunk  with  the  cup  of  the  mother  of  harlots  and  all 
abominations  of  the  earth;  then  mad  upon  their  idols,  (as  the  prophet 
gaid,)  persecuting  and  killing  about  worship  and  sacrifice.  This  hath 
been  the  state  of  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim  in  all  ages.  This  is  Cain's 
way,  and  the  whore's  way,  which  is  become  great,  and  has  reigned 
over  nations,  tongues,  multitudes,  and  people,  and  kings  of  the  earth. 
Babylon,  mystery  Babylon,  the  original  of  all  abominations  and  mother 
of  harlots,  riding  upon  a  scarlet  coloured  beast,  full  of  names  of  blas- 
phemy, decked  with  gold  and  purple,  pearls  and  precious  stones,  having 
a  golden  cup  in  her  hand,  but  it  is  full  of  abominations  and  filthiness ; 
and  she  is  drunken  by  the  blood  of  the  saints  and  martyrs  of  Jesus;  and 
the  beast  is  scarlet  coloured  which  carrieth  her,  having  horns;  mark 


•  Rev.  xvii.  15. 


237 


that.  The  powers  ot  the  earth,  kings,  and  rulers,  have  been  made 
drunk  with  her  cup,  and  have  committed  fornication  with  her,  and  she 
hath  sat  and  reigned  over  them.  And  the  beast  hath  carried  the  whore, 
and  they  have  made  war  with  the  lamb  and  the  saints,  and  killed 
them.  This  is  Cain's  way,  vagabond  from  God,  in  wrath  and  envy, 
whored  from  God,  killing  about  worship  and  sacrifice,  killing  just  Abel, 
killing  the  prophets,  saints,  and  martyrs  of  Jesus.  This  whore  hath  sat 
and  reigned  upon  tongues,  multitudes,  peoples,  and  kings  of  the  earth. 
This  is  the  great  whore,  that  hath  glorified  herself  in  her  abominations, 
sitting  as  a  queen,  saying  in  her  heart,  she  shall  never  see  sorrow,  &c. 

But  this  is  the  vine  of  Sodom;  her  grapes  are  grapes  of  abominations. 
Through  the  spreading  of  her  boughs  the  whole  earth  had  been  corrupted, 
and  by  her  dominion  the  lamb  hath  been  slain;  blood  hath  cried  against 
her  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  even  from  Abel  to  this  day.  The 
land  of  uprightness  hath  mourned,  while  the  wicked  have  borne  rule, 
and  lamentation  hath  dwelt  upon  the  tabernacle  of  the  righteous.  Dark- 
ness hath  covered  the  earth,  and  gross  darkness  the  people ;  death  and 
destruction  have  reigned.  The  devil,  the  murderer  from  the  beginning, 
hath  been  the  God  of  the  world  for  ages  and  generations,  and  the  true 
God  hath  been  unknown,  and  his  appearances  a  mystery  hid  from  them, 
and  a  covenant  hath  been  made  with  death,  and  an  agreement  with  hell. 
And  man  hath  been  separated  and  driven  from  God  as  far  as  the  east  is 
from  the  west ;  and  the  abomination  which  maketh  desolate,  hath  stood 
where  it  ought  not.  Iniquity  hath  abounded,  and  love  hath  waxed  cold; 
the  whole  world  hath  been  like  a  wilderness;  wickedness  hath  sat  in  the 
ephah  and  unrighteousness  in  the  judgment  seat.  The  adulterated  spirit 
from  God,  the  great  whore,  hath  sat  and  reigned  over  all  nations  and 
kings  of  the  earth,  which  hath  oppressed  the  creation,  and  grieved  the 
good  spirit  of  God,  and  made  war  against  every  appearance  of  the  righte- 
ous seed;  and  the  lamb  hath  been  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 
The  dragon  hath  cast  out  his  floods  of  persecution  after  the  true  woman 
in  all  ages,  which  brings  forth  the  man  child,  the  heir;  whose  right  alone 
it  is  to  rule  the  nations.   But  the  nations  of  the  earth  have  been  angry, 
and  the  great  men  and  chief  captains,  at  the  birth  of  this  child,  and  have 
always  sought  its  life,  even  when  it  was  young,  as  in  the  days  of  Herod; 
and  the  beast,  whore,  and  false  prophet  have  made  war  with  the  saints, 
and  persecuted,  imprisoned,  and  killed  them.  And  the  scriptures  are  ful- 
filled, "The  devil  shall  cast  some  of  you  into  prison;  and  you  shall  have  tri- 
bulation ten  days;"  "The  kings  of  the  earth  have  set  themselves,  and  the 
rulers  take  counsel  together  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his  anointed, 
saying,  let  us  break  their  bonds,  (or  meetings,)  and  cast  away  their  cords 
from  us."  If  you  have  ears,  hear,  O  ye  sons  of  Adam,  and  his  first  born  in 
transgression,  killers  about  worship  and  sacrifice,  "The  Lord  hath  you 


238 


in  derision,  and  he  will  vex  you  in  his  sore  displeasure,  and  break  you  as 
with  an  iron  rod,  and  dash  you  like  a  potter's  vessel."  Be  wise,  there- 
fore, now,  and  fear  and  tremble  before  the  Lord  God. 

These  things  have  been,  and  have  overspread  the  earth,  and  dark- 
ened the  air.  The  whore  hath  sat  as  queen,  and  the  true  woman  hath 
fled  and  been  hid  in  the  wilderness,  and  been  in  great  sorrow,  and  hath 
brought  forth  in  sorrow  and  great  tribulations  in  all  ages;  for  the  dragon 
was  always  ready  to  devour  her  child  as  soon  as  it  was  born.  Yea, 
every  appearance  of  God,  and  of  his  truth  and  way  of  righteousness, 
has  been  opposed,  as  you  may  read,  from  Cain  to  this  day ;  but  still 
the  child  was  caught  up  to  God,  and  they  missed  their  end,  when  they 
said,  "  This  is  the  heir,  let  us  kill  him,  and  the  inheritance  will  be  ours." 
And  in  the  days  of  Pharaoh's  persecution  of  Israel,  (which  was,  "  lest 
they  should  multiply,  and  become  great  in  number,")  the  midwives 
feared  God,  and  Moses  was  born,  and  hid  from  them,  who  was  appointed 
to  lead  Israel  out  of  Egypt.  And  in  the  days  of  Herod,  when  so  many 
young  children  were  killed,  he  was  hid  from  them,  till  he  was  dead 
that  sought  the  young  child's  life.  How  great  was  the  whore  and  the 
devil's  rage  in  those  rulers,  to  destroy  so  many  innocent  babes !  the 
thoughts  of  which  will  make  our  bowels  to  move,  that  fear  the  Lord. 
And  in  the  days  of  the  other  Herod,  chief  priests,  and  rulers,  Scribes, 
Pharisees,  and  elders,  Herod  and  his  men  of  war  set  him  at  nought,  and 
mocked  him,  because  he  answered  him  not  a  word  to  his  many  questions. 
And  are  we  not  mocked  so  now,  when  we  are  become  fools  for  his  sake, 
whom  the  princes  of  this  world  never  knew  ?  Consider  these  things ;  for 
God  will  not  be  long  mocked  by  Cain  nor  Herod  either,  but  will  give 
every  one  a  reward  according  to  his  doings.  And  when  they  had  cru- 
cified him  and  put  him  to  death,  he  rose  again,  and  is  yet  hid  from 
them.  But  to  his  disciples  he  is  manifest,  and  is  come  the  second  time 
to  salvation;  and  the  grave  cannot  hold  him,  nor  ever  could,  nor  ever 
shall ;  for  he  was  before  the  grave,  death,  or  persecution  was,  and  shall 
reign  over  it  all,  forever  and  ever.  And  the  whore,  beast,  and  false 
prophet  shall  be  cast  into  the  lake,  and  be  tormented  day  and  night, 
forever  and  ever,  and  the  lamb  and  the  saints  shall  rejoice  over  her 
with  songs  of  triumph,  and  hallelujahs  forevermore.*  Amen. 

So,  now  you  may  read  and  see,  that  the  seed  of  evil  doers,  the  birth 
of  the  flesh,  or  spirit  of  whoredoms,  did  always  persecute  the  birth  that 
was  born  of  the  spirit,  after  God's  image,  in  all  ages.  And  here  is  now 
no  new  thing  happened  under  the  sun,  but  the  same  controversy  as  was 
between  Cain  and  Abel,  though  greater  shall  the  work  be  than  ever  in 
these  last  days.  But  this  is  Cain  and  the  whore's  mark  in  all  ages,  and 


*  Rev.  xix.  2,  3. 


239 

the  beast's,  that  God  and  man  takes  notice  of,  or  knows  them  by  perse- 
cution  about  religion,  worship,  and  sacrifice,  &c.;  as  Christ  said  of  the 
false  prophets,  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them ;  do  men  gather 
grapes  of  thorns,  (prickers,)  or  figs  of  thistles  1  Read  these  things  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord  God ;  for  they  will  add  to  the  weight  of  the  millstone 
when  Babylon  sinks,  which  day  hastens  as  a  woman  in  travail.  And 
the  wo  must  come  upon  all  you  who  are  found  in  Cain's  way,  and 
Balaam's  way,  and  the  whore's  way,  as  you  may  read,  Jude,  verse  11. 

But  what  will  ye  now  do,  O  ye  sons  and  first  born  of  Adam  in  trans- 
gression 1  God  is  raising  a  thousand  Abels,  and  Enoch  is  born  again,  and 
Moses  and  Elias  are  come,  and  the  hearts  of  the  children  are  turned 
towards  their  Father,  and  the  hearts  of  the  Father  towards  the  children: 
and  many  are  leaving  the  world,  and  the  earth,  and  travelling  towards 
paradise,  the  garden  of  God,  again,  where  mount  Sion  is  known,  and 
the  king  sitting  upon  his  holy  hill.  Therefore,  let  not  the  heathen  rage 
nor  the  people  imagine  a  vain  thing,  for  it  is  so.  God  is  gathering  his 
seed  from  the  four  corners  and  quarters  of  the  earth,  and  his  sheep 
from  offall  the  barren  mountains,  where  they  have  been  scattered  in  the 
dark  and  cloudy  day  without  a  shepherd,  and  he  will  feed  them  himself; 
and  the  false  shepherds -shall  no  more  make  a  prey  upon  them,  who 
have  fed  themselves,  and  clothed  with  the  wool  and  eat  the  fat,  and 
pushed  with  shoulder  and  horns  till  they  have  scattered,  and  not 
strengthened  the  diseased.*  And  who  shall  disannul  his  decree,  or  make 
void  his  promise  and  purpose  ?  The  dry  bones  must  be  raised,  and  be- 
come an  exceeding  great  army,  and  Babylon  must  fall.f  And  this  is 
now  doing,  with  great  noise  and  shaking,  and  by  the  lighting  the  earth 
with  the  glory  and  power  of  God.J  Which  day  is  come,  and  more  and 
more  approaching,  though  you  see  it  not,  who  are  in  the  night.  It 
comes  like  a  thief  upon  you,  and  will  overtake  you  as  a  snare:  for  so 
is  the  day  of  the  Lord  come  upon  all  them  that  dwell  in  the  earth.§ 

Therefore,  in  vain  do  you  strive  against  God,  O  ye  rulers  and  teach- 
ers of  the  earth,  who  are  in  Cain's  way  and  in  Balaam's  way.  For  his 
marvellous  work  and  wonder  must  be  brought  to  pass,  prosper,  and  be 
perfected  through  the  whole  earth  in  these  last  days.  It  is  not  your 
prisons,  courts,  killings,  banishments,  or  inquisitions,  shall  hinder  or  make 
void  God's  eternal  decree,  which  is  established  in  the  very  heavens. 
Don't  you  remember  how  the  grave  could  not  hold  him  under,  whom 
your  fathers  crucified,  and  had  from  prison  to  judgment,  in  the  days  past; 
who  is  now  again  risen  among  us,  and  is  in  the  midst  of  us,  who  gather 
together  in  his  name?  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you:  he  is 

*  Read  Ez.  xxxiv.  f  Read  Ez.  xxxvii.  7y  8,  9,  10.  \  Rev.  i.  8,  1,  2. 

§  1  Thess.  v.  2,  3,  4. 


240 


risen  among  us  called  Quakers,  and  is  come  and  coming  in  ten  thousands 
of  his  saints,  to  convince  the  ungodly  of  all  their  ungodly  deeds  and  hard 
speeches  which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  him,  and  to  execute 
his  judgments  upon  them.  Read  Jude  throughout.  And  this  the  whole 
earth  shall  know  in  the  day  at  hand:  for  our  God  is  risen  to  deliver  his 
people,  and  to  lay  low  the  haughtiness  of  the  terrible  ones,  and  to  scat- 
ter the  proud  in  their  imaginations,  and  to  make  the  whore  naked  and 
desolate,  as  a  widow  without  children,  and  to  exalt  truth  and  righteous- 
ness, justice  and  true  judgment  in  the  earth,  that  judgment  and  mercy 
may  meet  together,  and  righteousness  and  peace  may  kiss  each  other. 
This  is  God  doing;  this  hath  been  wanting.  Mercy  and  justice  have  not 
been  found  in  the  judgment  seats,  but  false  judgment,  respect  of  persons, 
injustice,  and  oppression  have  met  together  there.  Pride,  rage,  cruelty, 
vanity,  wantonness,  and  hypocrisy  have  kissed  each  other  there ;  the 
poor  hath  been  oppressed  of  his  neighbour,  and  the  rich  hath  had  many 
friends.  These  evils  under  the  sun  have  prospered  and  spread  like  a 
bay  tree.  And  equity  hath  been  the  low  tree,  and  unrighteousness  the 
high  tree,  exalted  over  all.  The  great  whore  hath  reigned,  with  the 
beast  and  the  false  prophet — the  true  woman  hath  been  in  sorrow,  the 
lamb  and  the  saints  in  great  tribulations,  in  all  ages;  but  now  she  is  com- 
ing up  out  of  the  wilderness,  leaning  upon  her  beloved,  and  not  her  own 
understanding.  And  the  lamb  and  the  saints  must  get  the  victory,  and 
all  coverings  and  vails  will  God  rend  off  from  the  face  of  all  people,  and 
there  shall  be  no  place  of  darkness  nor  shadow  of  death  wherein  the 
worker  of  iniquity  shall  hide  himself;  but  death  and  hell  must  be  naked, 
and  give  up  the  slain  that  are  in  them;  the  dragon  must  be  chained,  and 
the  beast,  whore,  and  false  prophet  must  be  taken,  and  cast  alive  into 
the  pit  or  lake  that  burns  for  ever  and  ever. 

This  will  be  a  woful  day  for  you,  persecutors,  false  worshippers, 
idolaters,  whoremongers,  hypocrites,  unbelievers,  fearful  and  abomina- 
ble, merchants  of  Babylon,  and  all  you  seamen  of  Babylon,  who  have 
strengthened  her  mast,  and  spread  her  sail,  and  traded  with  her,  when 
she  shall  lie  as  a  wreck  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  and  sink  like  a  millstone, 
and  be  found  no  more  at  all.  You  that  have  gone  so  often  on  board  of  her 
in  the  boat  of  deceit,  and  drunk  the  wine  of  her  fornications  in  the  mys- 
terious sealed  cabins  of  her  whoredoms,  which  she  hath  fetched  from 
the  land  of  witchcrafts,  and  gathered  from  the  vine  of  Sodom,  and 
pressed  in  the  fat  of  confusion,  and  held  forth  in  the  cup  of  hypocrisy, 
howling  and  lamentation  will  come  upon  you,  fears  and  amazements 
will  possess  you,  when  you  behold  the  smoke  of  her  torment.  "Alas! 
alas !"  (standing  aloof  for  fear)  will  be  your  song,  when  you  shall  see 
this  great  city  in  one  hour  brought  to  nought. 

No  fig  leaves  will  hide  in  this  day,  no  sheep's  clothing  will  cover  the 


241 


false  prophet,  but  you  must  all  appear  in  your  own  likeness  and  image, 
before  him  that  seeth  in  secret,  and  be  ripped  up,  and  seen  as  you  are 
before  God,  angels  and  men.  No  vizard  of  profession  shall  excuse  you 
from  receiving  a  just  recompense  of  reward  according  to  your  deeds 
done  in  your  bodies. 

And  this  dreadful  day  is  hastening  upon  all  flesh,  which  hath  cor- 
rupted its  way  before  the  Lord.  For  his  own  name's  sake,  and  for  his 
elect  seed's  sake,  will  he  cut  it  short  in  righteousness,  which  hath  long 
groaiu-d  and  cried  unto  him  under  the  heavy  burdens  and  cruel  oppres- 
sions of  the  ungodly,  to  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption, 
which  hath  long  overspread  the  whole  earth,  and  to  be  set  free  in  the  pa- 
radise of  God,  in  the  glorious  liberty  which  is  at  his  right  hand,  where  are 
joy  and  pleasures  for  evermore,  yea  durable  riches,  and  righteousness ; 
from  whence  Adam  was  driven  into  the  earth  by  disobedience,  and  so 
into  darkness,  ignorance,  and  confusion,  having  eaten  that  which  was 
forbidden,  and  drunk  of  the  flattering  harlot's  cup,  which  hath  since  be- 
come a  great  whore,  and  made  all  nations  drunk,  and  sat  upon  them,  and 
reigned  over  them,  even  kings  of  the  earth,  multitudes,  tongues,  and 
languages.  And  the  garden  of  the  sluggard,  or  slothful,  wicked,  drunk- 
en servant,  hath  been  all  grown  over  with  thorns  and  thistles,  and 
nettles  have  covered  the  face  thereof,  and  the  best  have  been  as  a  briar, 
and  the  most  upright  as  a  thorn  hedge,  pricking,  stinging,  tearing,  kill- 
ing, and  warring  against  the  lily  and  the  apple  tree,  as  they  sprung  up  in 
all  ages;  as  it  is  written,  "They  all  have  lain  in  wait  for  blood,  they 
hunt  every  man  his  brother  with  a  net."  Thus  it  was  in  Micah's  days,* 
which  caused  sorrow  to  come  upon  him  in  the  consideration  and  sense 
thereof;  and  in  Jeremiah's  days,  Jer.  v.  26,  &c.  And  thus  it  hath  been 
from  Cain  unto  this  day,  persecuting  about  religion,  worship  and  sacri- 
fice ;  but  for  the  elect's  sake,  as  I  said  before,  these  days  shall  be  short- 
ened. Matt.  xxiv.  22.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you  all. 

Therefore,  hearken  diligently,  and  hear,  all  ye  rulers,  governors,  and 
people  of  the  earth,  who  are  the  sons  of  Adam  in  transgression,  the  fall, 
and  consider  well  in  what  state  you  now  are,  and  what  knowledge  of 
God  your  creator  you  have,  and  see  whether  you  arc  not  shut  out  of 
the  paradise  of  God,  in  which  man  was  made  a  living  soul,  and  whether 
you  are  not  driven  into  the  earth,  even  as  Adam  in  transgression, 
afraid  of  God,  and  hiding  yourselves  from  his  presence;  in  which  state 
you  have  no  true  rest,  but  are  separated  from  the  enjoyment  of  the  life 
and  unity  with  the  eternal  God,  in  whose  presence  no  worker  of  iniquity 

*  Read  Mic.  vii.  1,  2,  4,  and  the  sacrament  of  the  altar  in  the  martyrs'  days,  and 
the  oath  of  allegiance  in  these  days,  and  see  if  the  net  be  not  found,  and  the  mischiev- 
ous desire  wrapt  up  now  among1  the  briars  and  thorns,  whose  end  is  burning. 

3] 


242 


can  endure;  therefore  doth  God  in  his  eternal  love  call  unto  you  to  come 
out  of  Babylon.  And  he  hath  appointed  a  day  of  visitation  unto  the 
children  of  men  in  all  ages,  that  in  it  they  should  seek  and  meet  him,  by 
returning  every  one  from  his  evil  ways,  and  look  unto  him  from  whom 
they  have  gone  a  whoring,  who  is  the  alone  salvation  and  saviour  of  all 
them  that  repent,  and  turn  to  him  with  their  whole  heart.  And  that  is 
the  sacrifice  which  he  requireth  of  all  that  make  mention  of  his  name; 
for  it  is  not  a  talk  or  profession  of  Christianity  and  godliness,  that  will 
stand  in  stead  in  the  day  of  death,  or  in  this  day,  in  which  the  great 
deeps  of  the  mystery,  root  and  ground  of  all  things  which  have  been 
since  the  foundation  of  the  world,  are  manifest,  even  unto  babes  in  Christ 
Jesus,  who  is  the  wisdom  of  God,  and  the  power  of  God,  which  none  of 
the  princes  of  this  world  knew.  I  say,  "the  secrets  of  the  Most  High  are 
with  them  that  fear  him,"  whose  dwelling  is  in  him  that  hath  given 
them  a  measure  of  that  pure  discerning  life  in  which  Adam  gave  names 
unto  creatures  and  things,  according  to  their  natures,  while  he  Was  in 
paradise,  before  transgression  was,  even  in  this  life,  and  through  this  life 
is  the  living  God  bringing  many  sons  and  daughters  to  that  glory  which 
was  with  him  before  the  world  began,  and  is  drawing  with  the  cords  of 
his  love,  which  are  stronger  than  death,  many  followers  after  him,  who 
cannot  be  satisfied  in  the  earth,  into  which  they  were  driven  by  trans- 
gression and  pollution,  which  is  not  their  true  resting  place,  as  it  is 
written,  Mich.  ii.  10.  Therefore,  we,  being  awakened,  are  returning 
towards  our  native  country,  in  which  we  were  created  in  Adam,  before 
transgression  or  separation  was.  And  we  have  given  up  our  hearts, 
minds  and  spirits,  bodies  and  souls,  to  wait  upon  our  God  to  receive 
from  him  strength  and  power  to  be  translated  into  his  own  image  and 
likeness,  wherein  our  salvation  is  wrought  out  with  fear  and  trembling." 

Therefore,  ye  rulers  and  people  of  the  earth,  do  you  ponderously 
weigh  and  deeply  consider  what  you  are  doing,  by  endeavouring  to  hin- 
der us  in  the  narrow  way  of  our  passage  to  the  heavenly,  holy  land, 
or  paradise  of  God's  rest,  which  he  hath  prepared  for  the  poor  in  spirit, 
and  tremblers  at  his  word,  who  are  not  satisfied  with  an  outward  pro- 
fession, or  name  to  live,  whilst  not  enjoying  the  eternal  inheritance,  and 
possession  of  the  life  and  substance  which  is  at  the  right  hand  of  God 
for  evermore.  In  which  passage  we  resist  no  man,  or  fight  with  carnal 
weapons,  for  our  warfare  is  spiritual,  but  are  calling  to  those  who  are 
our  brethren  in  Adam,  to  turn  their  minds  and  affections  with  us  to 
seek  after  our  native  country,  where  our  Father  is  again  found  and 
known,  and  his  voice  heard,  that  so  the  spirit  of  enmity,  which  came 
of  the  serpent  and  the  whore,  might  no  longer  remain  in  God's  creation, 
from  whence  the  strife  and  contentions,  wars  and  fightings  come,  but 
be  cast  into  the  lake  forever. 


2  L3 


Why  should  you  thus  abuse  your  brethren?  or  what  reason  can  you 
show,  to  hinder  us  in  the  way  of  our  passage  to  our  own  native  rest  of  our 
wearv  souls;  seeing  we  have  no  other  end  or  aim  in  our  eye,  but  the 
price  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  is  gone  before  us 
into  paradise,  f  rom  whence  we  were  driven  by  transgression,  the  cloud 
of  separation  1    Read  Isaiah  lix.  throughout. 

And  though  you  should  yet  more  grievously  oppress  us,  or  smite  us, 
and  even  put  heavier  yokes  upon  our  tender  necks,  or  cause  us  to  make 
bricks  without  straw,  as  your  brethren  did,  yet  we  cannot  but  sigh  and 
groan,  and  cry  to  our  God,  (whom  we  delight  to  worship,  though  it  be 
in  the  wilderness,)  under  the  grievous  burdens  of  our  oppressors.  For 
we,  being  awakened  and  quickened  from  the  deep  sleep  of  sin  and 
death  which  hath  covered  mankind,  cannot  but  look  to  the  rock  from 
whence  we  were  hewn,  press  forward,  in  the  patient  sufferings  and 
through  the  strait  gate  and  daily  cross,  into  the  heavenly  kingdom 
and  dominion  of  the  holy  God,  into  which  no  worker  of  iniquity  or  un- 
clean thing  can  enter.  So,  whatever  you  judge  of  us,  we  have  no  other 
end  in  all  our  meetings  together,  but  to  wait  upon  our  God  that  we 
might  know  his  will,  and  be  guided  and  directed  into  all  truth  by  his 
spirit,  which  he  hath  sent  into  our  hearts,  and  in  it  to  worship  and  serve 
him  all  the  days  of  our  life.    And  here  we  find  the  narrow  way  and 
strait  gate,  which  lead  into  the  paradise  of  God,  even  to  eternal 
iik\    But  "broad  is  the  way,  and  wide  is  the  gate,  that  lead  to  de- 
struction," according  to  the  words  of  our  dear  elder  brother,  Christ  Je- 
sus.   For  we  having  but  turned  our  faces  from  the  earth  towards  the 
garden  of  God,  our  true  resting-place,  immediately  our  brethren, 
(the  first-born  of  Adam  in  transgression,)  like  Cain,  do  rise  up  in  wrath 
to  smite  us;  by  whom  we  are  greatly  abused,  imprisoned,  and  oppressed; 
who  will  not  go  in  this  narrow  passage  themselves,  nor  suffer  them  that 
would;  and  in  as  much  as  in  them  lieth  strive  to  hide  the  key  of  true 
knowledge  from  their  brethren,  and  would  not  have  them  seek  that 
"city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God/'  in 
which  only  is  the  eternal  salvation,  peace,  and  quietness  of  the  souls  of 
the  children  of  men.* 

Surely  this  must  needs  be  of  the  old  serpent,  the  beguiler,  oppressor 
and  destroyer  of  mankind,  and  of  the  great  whore,  the  mother  of  har- 
lots, even  the  same  which  beguiled  and  deceived,  tempted  and  led  them 
out  of  the  paradise  of  God's  counsel  and  presence,  in  which  is  joy  and 
peace  for  evermore,  even  the  murderer  from  the  beginning,  which  killed 
the  just,  and  led  the  mind  into  the  earth,  and  its  delights,  pleasures, 
and  \  anities,  which  come  to  an  end.  Therefore,  the  cross  must  be  taken 

•  Heb.  xi.  10. 


244 


up,  (which  the  second  Adam  taught  us,)  daily  to  the  earthly  affections 
and  tilings  of  this  world,  in  which  the  prince  of  darkness  ruleth.  For 
it  is  a  cross,  not  of  wood,  stone,  gold,  or  silver,  but  the  pure  power 
of  God,  by  which  the  world,  and  the  things  thereof  are  become  dead 
and  crucified  unto  us,  and  we  unto  them :  even  such  a  cross,  that  the 
earthly  minded  are  enemies  to,  who  can  set  up  and  wear  the  cross  of 
wood,  silver,  and  gold,  which  is  of  the  earth,  like  them  that  make  them 
and  wear  them.  But  this  crucifieth  the  world ;  and  all  that  is  in  the 
world,  is  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life, 
and  the  whole  world  lies  in  wickedness.  So  this  crucifies  the  wicked- 
ness, and  slays  the  enmity,  which  your  crosses  of  wood  and  stone  never 
did.  But  you  have  been  in  enmity  about  them  and  such  things,  and  yet 
are  in  the  lust  and  pride,  enmity  and  wickedness,  stumbling  at  the  cross 
in  which  the  saints'  glory  is.  For  by  this  are  the  kings  bound  in  chains 
and  the  nobles  in  fetters  of  iron,  even  lord  Esau,  and  all  the  princes 
of  Ishmael,  and  dukes  of  Edom,  Esau's  stock;  and  the  devil  is  king  over 
all  the  children  of  pride.  Read  this,  and  tremble  all  you  whose  state 
this  is.  For  it  is  not  your  talk  of  God,  and  Christ,  and  of  his  cross,  that 
will  at  all  avail  you,  while  you  stick  fast  in  the  driven-out  state,  in  which 
you  are  separated  from  the  enjoyment  of  his  life  and  presence,  and  not 
returning  to  the  rock  from  whence  we  were  hewn,  the  tried  everlasting 
foundation,  which  is  laid  in  Siou,  by  which  every  man's  works,  words, 
professions,  and  religions  must  be  tried  and  made  manifest,  of  what  sort 
they  are.  For  by  this  line  of  true  judgment,  he  that  says  he  worships  God, 
or  loves  God,  and  yet  hates  his  brother,  is  found  a  liar.  And  we  know 
that  all  liars  are  shut  out  of  his  heavenly  kingdom,  and  must  have  their 
portion  in  the  lake  that  burnetii  with  the  heavy  displeasure  of  God.  * 

Therefore  I  pray  you,  brethren,  be  you  now  well  advised  in  what 
you  do,  act,  or  speak,  and  consider  the  end  of  these  things,  and  your 
own  state  as  to  God-ward.  For,  as  for  us,  we  are  but  strangers  in  the 
earth,  as  our  fathers  were,  now  we  are  awake,  and  the  glory  of  it  is  but 
like  a  dream,  without  substance  or  satisfaction  to  the  immortal  soul. 
And  we  now  perceive  what  the  captivity  of  Babylon  is.  and  the  w  hore 
which  hath  sat  and  reigned  over  all  nations  and  kings  of  the  earth;  and 
what  that  night  and  sleep  was,  in  which  the  enemy  came  and  sowed 
tares  among  the  good  seed  in  the  field.  For  we  being  returned  towards  the 
land  of  the  living,  following  the  light  of  Israel,  the  promises  of  our 
heavenly  Father  are  fulfilling  unto  us,  where  he  said,  "They  shall  re- 
turn, and  discern  between  the  precious  and  the  vile:  between  him  th.it 
serveth  God,  and  him  that  serveth  him  not;  between  him  that  swear- 
eth,  and  him  that  feareth  an  oath,  &c.  and  I  will  return  unto  them  a 


•  Rev.  xxf.  8. 


245 


pure  language,  and  they  shall  worship  me  with  one  consent."  This  the 
Lord  is  fulfilling  among  us,  whom  he  hath  gathered  out  of  the  many  un- 
clean languages,  and  false  worships,  and  vain  religions,  the  whore's  do- 
minions, to  worship  him  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth,  for  such  only  he 
seeketh,  and  they  are  the  true  worshippers  * 

Now,  I  question  not  hut  you  have  heard  how  Cain  offered  sacrifice, 
and  vet  smote  and  slew  his  hrother  Ahel,  whose  hlood  cried  from  the 
ground  against  him  for  vengeance.  (May  you  not  read  this  somewhat 
near  I  consider  it.)  And  God  had  no  respect  to  his  offering,  who  slew  his 
brother;  but  unto  his  offering,  who  was  the  sufferer,  God  had  respect, 
as  he  hath  at  this  day,  who  saith,  "To  this  man  will  I  look,  who  is  poor 
and  of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word."  These  things  and 
the  ground  of  them,  you  might  perceive,  if  you  were  but  truly  awaken- 
ed from  the  deep  sleep  of  sin  and  death,  and  the  pleasures  thereof, 
which  are  but  for  a  season.  However,  the  trump  of  God  is  sounding, 
which  shall  ere  long  awaken  you  to  judgment.  Then  shall  you  see 
how  you  have  striven  against  the  love  and  mercies  of  God,  and  slighted 
the  day  of  your  visitation  from  on  high,  and  have  fought  against  God's 
witness  and  witnesses,  to  keep  them  in  the  perpetual  Babylonish  cap- 
tivity, and  Egyptian  bondage  and  darkness. 

Be  not  deceived  any  longer,  neither  flatter  with  yourselves;  for  we 
are  not  blind, nor  mad,  nor  in  ignorance  and  error,  as  you  have  supposed, 
believed,  and  reported — through  which  you  have  reproached  and  great- 
ly abused  us,  and  strengthened  the  hand  of  evil-doers  in  cruelty  against 
us,  without  cause.  But  we  are  truly  awakened  by  the  voice  of  the  son 
of  God,  who  hath  opened  our  ears  and  understandings,  and  that  eye 
which  the  serpent,  the  god  of  the  world,  had  blinded.    And  now  we 
see  and  know,  that  if  any  man  love  the  world,  or  the  things  of  the  world, 
the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him,  let  him  profess  what  he  will.  The 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  could  say  much,  and  could  say,  "We  have  one 
Father,  even  God,"  and  "We  are  Abraham's  seed,  and  never  were  in 
bondage,"  &c.  and  kept  strict  the  Sabbath,  and  fasted,  and  made  long 
prayers,  and  paid  tithe,  and  gave  alms,  and  read  Moses  and  the  pro- 
phets' words  very  exactly,  &c.  and  yet  the  love  of  God  was  not  in  them, 
as  you  may  read,  John  viii.  33,  37,  3S,  39,  44.     But  they  were  of  their 
father,  the  devil,  because  his  works  they  did,  notwithstanding  their  fair 
covering.    And  what  was  that?    They  persecuted  and  killed  about  re- 
ligion and  worship,  as  may  be  read  at  large  in  the  scriptures  of  truth, 
of  the  proceedings  in  that  age,  of  the  rulers,  chief  priests,  elders,  and 
great  professors,  &c.  0 

Therefore,  take  heed  to  yourselves,  and  to  your  own  standing,  and 


*  John  iv.  23,  21. 


246 


do  not  so  hastily  judge  amiss  of  us,  nor  thus  speak  evil  of  us,  nor  abuse 

and  persecute  us,  nor  so  grievously  and  cruelly  afflict  and  oppress  us 
any  more  about  these  things,  or  because  we  are  not  altogether  like,  or 
conformable  unto  you,  in  your  ways  and  traditions ;  for  God  will  plead 
with  you  about  it.    But  rather  judge  yourselves,  that  you  are  not 
hastening  with  us,  as  Lot  out  of  Sodom,  because  of  the  wrath  and  ven- 
geance which  are  swiftly  coming  upon  the  world  of  the  ungodly,  which 
they  shall  not  escape.    For  I  tell  you,  and  that  from  the  mouth  of  the 
living  God,  that  a  terrible  storm,  and  dreadful  hour  are  at  hand,  and  ex- 
cept you  run  our  race  towards  Zoar,  you  will  be  taken  and  destroyed, 
being  found  in  spiritual  Sodom  and  Egypt,  and  in  the  Babylonish  mar- 
ket-place of  confusion,  ungodliness,  ignorance,  and  unrighteousness,  out 
of  which  the  Lord,  of  the  harvest  hath  called  and  gathered  us  into  his 
vineyard,  where,  after  our  faithful  labour  therein,  we  receive,  enjoy, 
and  rest  in  the  joy  of  our  Lord.    And  if  you  are  found  smiting  your 
fellow-servants  or  brethren,  like  Cain,  about  these  things,  and  eat  and 
drink  with  the  drunken,  who  are  drunk  with  the  whore's  cup,  and  say 
in  your  hearts,  "  the  Lord  delayeth  his  coming,1'  he  will  come  unawares 
upon  you,  and  in  an  hour  when  you  look  not  for  him,  and  will  cut  you 
asunder,  and  give  you  your  portion  with  unbelievers,  abominable,  un- 
godly, and  hypocrites,  where  shall  be  wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth  for 
evermore. 

Therefore,  remember  to  do  as  you  would  be  done  unto ;  for  that  is 
the  law  and  the  prophets.    And  as  for  Christ  and  his  followers,  they  are 
not  come  to  destroy  men's  lives,  but  to  save  them.  And  let  us  alone  in  our 
journey  or  passage  towards  the  city  or  paradise  of  the  living  God,  who 
hath  called  and  awakened  us,  and  raised  up  our  affections  and  desires, 
which  cannot  be  satisfied  with  dreams,  husks,  and  painted  things,  like- 
nesses, or  vain  shows.  For  the  spirit  of  a  man  we  are  now  come  to  know, 
which  goeth  upward,  and  are  leaving  the  bestial  spirit  that  descends 
downward  into  the  earth.    And  now  we  also  know,  that  none  can  learn 
our  song,  but  they  whose  minds,  through  the  patient  sufferings,  are  re- 
deemed from  the  earth ;  for  it  is  the  song  of  the  lamb  and  of  Moses, 
who  chose  rather  to  suffer  affliction,  than  to  embrace  the  treasures 
of  Egypt,  or  the  pleasures  of  sin,  which  are  but  for  a  season;  against 
whose  brethren,  generation,  seed  and  offspring,  the  beast,  whore  and 
the  dragon,  the  false  prophet,  death  and  hell,  the  powers  of  darkness 
and  ungodliness  make  war,  who  shall  be  cast  into  the  lake  that  burns 
with  fire  and  brimstone,  even  under  the  sense  and  feeling  of  the  eter- 
nal vengeance  of  the  Almighty  God,  there  4.0  he  tormented  day  and 
night  for  ever  and  ever. 

But  blessed  are  they  who  follow  the  lamb,  in  whose  mouth  is  found 
no  guile,  whithersoever  he  goeth  or  leadeth,  through  the  patient  suf- 


2A1 


ferings,  in  the  Jove  unfeigned;  they  shall  rest  in  the  land  of  the  paradise, 
of  the  fountain  of  pleasures  at  the  right  hand  of  God  for  evermore. 
Amen,  hallelujah. 

And  now  hear,  O  ye  rulers  and  teachers,  by  what  flattering  title  so- 
ever you  are  called,  in  this  land  of  England!  your  nakedness  is  seen,  as  in 
the  day  in  which  you  were  born,  and  your  hypocrisy  and  deceit  God  hath 
found  out  and  discovered.  Therefore  be  ashamed  and  blush,  and  stand 
guilty  before  him,  and  repent,  if  there  be  yet  a  minute  or  place  left  you, 
and  do  not  strive  any  longer  against  God,  and  to  cover  yourselves  any 
more  with  the  name  of  Christianity,  while  you  are  in  the  nature  of  hea- 
thens, and  in  the  way  of  Cain,  persecuting  and  imprisoning  about  reli- 
gion and  worship.  For  it  is  Cain's  mark  in  all  ages,  and  the  heathen 
that  know  not  God;  as  it  is  written,  and  you  may  read  it,  "Why  do  the 
heathen  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  a  vain  thing?"  And  it  is  in  vain 
for  you  to  strive  against  the  decree  and  work  of  God,  which  he  is  bring- 
ing to  pass.  Mark,  the  ragers  are  the  heathen,  that  know  not  God, 
and  these  are  the  persecutors  in  all  ages.  These  are  in  Cain's  way,  as 
it  is  written,  "  Wo  unto  them,  for  they  have  gone  in  the  way  of  Cain, 
and  run  greedily  after  the  error  of  Balaam,  (mark,)  wo  is  their  portion.*' 
And  is  not  this  your  state,  ye  rulers  and  teachers  of  England?  Consider 
it  in  the  cool  of  the  day,  and  let  God's  witness  in  your  consciences  an- 
swer. 

For  I  tell  you  from  God,  and  proclaim  it  this  day  amongst  you,  that 
wo  and  misery  will  be  your  end,  (if  ye  proceed  in  these  things,)  which 
is  already  stealing  upon  you,  and  will  overtake  you  as  an  armed  man, 
and  as  a  woman  in  travail,  and  you  shall  not  escape.  For,  do  you  think 
to  prosper,  or  set  up  yourselves,  by  striving  against  God  and  his  mar- 
vellous work  and  will,  which  is  to  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  done  in  hea- 
ven? Do  you  imagine  that  your  laws  or  decrees  shall  hinder  or  frus- 
trate God's  eternal  and  unchangeable  decree  and  purpose,  which  is,  to 
finish  transgression,  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  and  make  an  end  of 
sin,  and  exalt  truth  and  righteousness,  the  mountain  of  his  own  house 
and  holiness,  and  to  esabtlish  it  atop  of  all  hills,  and  over  all  mountains, 
which  was  before  the  mountains  and  hills  were  brought  forth,  over 
which  it  must  be  established;  and  to  fulfil  his  promise  made  to  Abraham 
and  to  his  seed,  which  must  be  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  as  the  sands 
by  the  sea  shore  for  multitude  ?  And  will  you  yet  strive  to  hinder  the  in- 
crease of  God's  decreed  number?  Or  will  you  limit  his  seed,  that  it 
might  not  spread  and  replenish  the  earth,  whose  right  it  is  to  inherit 
the  uttermost  part  thereof,  and  a  multitude  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted 
unto  him?  Must  not  this  be  done,  which  was  spoken  of  by  holy  men 
of  God  as  they  were  moved  by  the  holy  ghost  ?  Shall  the  wicked, 
which  are  like  the  chaff,  and  make  a  mock  at  the  movings  of  the  holy 


248 


ghost,  or  spirit,  disannul  God's  determinate  counsel  ?  Can  you  hinder 
the  course  of  the  stars,  or  cause  them  to  withdraw  their  shining?  Or 
number  the  sands  by  the  sea-shore,  or  stop  the  ebbings  or  flowihgs  of 
the  ocean?  Or  can  you  stop  the  rain,  or  cause  it  to  rain  by  your 
power  ?  Will  the  ice  and  the  snow  melt  at  your  command  ?  Will  the 
tierce  wind  obey  your  voice  when  it  issueth  forth  out  of  its  treasury, 
and  whirleth  up  and  down  the  earth?  Or  do  you  know  whence  it 
Cometh,  or  whither  it  goeth  ?  Will  the  thunder  and  lightnings  be  staid, 
and  the  noise  and  brightness  thereof  cease  at  your  command?  If  these 
things,  and  the  like,  you  can  do,  then  will  I  confess  unto  you,  that  you 
may  go  on,  and  prosper,  and  prevail  against  the  heritage  of  the  Most 
High,  whom  he  hath  blessed  with  everlasting  blessings.  But  if  you  are 
not  able  to  do  these  things,  then  in  vain  do  you  strive  to  set  briars  and 
thorns  in  battle  against  a  consuming  fire. 

For  I  tell  you  again,  in  the  name  and  authority  of  the  Almighty  God, 
the  Jehovah  of  Israel,  that  if  you  still  proceed  in  persecuting  his  peo- 
ple and  dear  children,  as  you  have  done,  he  will  dash  you  in  pieces  like 
a  potters  vessel,  and  confound  and  scatter  you  with  destruction  upon 
destruction,  till  you  are  become  as  the  chatfof  the  summer  threshing- 
floor,  and  as  the  ashes  of  the  dung-hill,  which  the  wind  driveth  away, 
and  your  place  shall  be  no  more  found,  and  your  remembrance  shall  be 
a  hissing  and  abhorring  to  nations.  This  is  God's  word  of  life  and  truth 
unto  you. 

Remember  Cain,  the  Pharisees,  Egyptians,  and  Sodomites,  whose 
works  you  are  doing.  Your  name  of  Christianity  stinks  before  God  and 
men,  and  is  even  a  proverb  of  reproach  among  nations  afar  off.  The 
Pharisees,  who  were  persecutors,  said,  they  were  Abraham's  seed,  and 
had  one  Father,  even  God,  &,c.  and  yet  were  doing  the  works  of  the 
devil,  who  was  their  father.  Ye  hypocrites,  whose  state  this  is,  shall 
not  God's  dread  fall  upon  you !  Will  ye  not  tremble  before  his  pure 
eye  of  jealousy,  which  beholds  all  your  doing,  thoughts,  and  words, 
though  never  so  secret  ?  Will  you  still  say,  "  Is  not  the  Lord  among 
us,  no  evil  can  come  upon  us  ?"  Will  your  untempered  mortar-daub- 
ers promise,  the  wall  shall  stand  and  the  daubers  thereof  be  establish- 
ed, when  God  hath  said,  "The  wall  shall  be  no  more,  nor  them  that 
daub  it?"  Is  there  not  a  lying  spirit,  and  deceitful  tongue  in  the  mouth 
of  all  these  prophets,  whom  the  Lord  never  sent  ?  And  are  they  not 
crying  peace  to  the  wicked,  to  whom  is  no  peace  from  God,  and  pre- 
paring war  against  the  just  that  cannot  put  into  their  mouths?  And  are 
not  these  the  greedy  dumb  dogs,  that  never  have  enough,  and  cannot 
bark  to  awaken  the  witness  of  God  in  people's  consciences,  that  they 
may  arise  from  the  dead,  and  stand  up,  that  Christ  may  give  then) 


240 


light  and  life,  in  which  they  may  see  the  thief,  and  be  able  to  with- 
stand the  robber. 

Did  ever  Christ  Jesus,  or  his  ministers,  apostles,  or  disciples,  persecute 
about  religion  or  worship,  or  run  to  the  powers  of  the  earth,  to  uphold 
their  ministry?  Or  cast  men  into  prisons  for  their  bellies?  Or  go  to 
law  for  tithes,  or  take  treble  damages,  as  you  call  them,  and  rob  people 
that  did  refuse  to  hear  them,  as  you  have  done  ?  Mention  one  example 
in  all  the  scripture,  or  else  be  confounded  for  ever,  and  your  tongues 
cleave  to  the  roof  of  your  mouths  for  ever.  Or  were  not  the  prophets, 
apostles,  and  disciples  of  Christ  always  sufferers,  and  persecuted  and 
imprisoned  for  their  testimony,  and  for  righteousness'  sake,  by  the  powers 
of  the  earth,  chief  priests,  and  rulers  in  all  ages?  Were  they  not  haled 
out  of  the  synagogues,  and  brought  before  rulers,  and  governors,  and 
sometimes  beaten  and  stoned,  whipped,  and  charged  to  speak  no  more  in 
the  name  of  Jesus?  Was  not  this  their  portion  from  the  great  men,  and 
chief  priests,  and  counsels?  And  yet  did  not  they  learn  in  every  state  to 
be  content?  But  are  not  you  discontented,  who  cast  such  into  prisons 
for  fear  of  losing  your  belly  god?  And  were  not  they  unlearned  and 
ignorant  men  in  the  laws  and  languages  of  the  rulers,  chief  priests,  and 
doctors?  &c.  And  had  not  they  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew,  that  perse- 
cuted and  crucified  the  just  ?  And  did  not  Christ  say  to  his  apostles  or 
disciples,  when  he  sent  them  forth  to  minister, "  Behold  I  send  you  forth  as 
sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves;  be  ye  therefore  wise  as  serpents,  and 
harmless  as  doves;  and  take  no  thought  what  ye  shall  eat,  &c.  and  what 
is  set  before  you  eat,  asking  no  question,"  &c.  (Then  not  to  go  to  law 
about  their  bellies,  if  not  to  ask  a  question  about  such  things.)  And  did 
not  the  apostle  say,  such  were  enemies  to  the  cross,  who  minded  earthly 
things,  whose  God  was  their  belly:  which  caused  him  even  to  tell  of  it 
weeping  among  the  people,  and  said,  their  end  was  destruction,  &c. 
and  that  "grievous  wolves  would  enter  in,  not  sparing  the  people,"  after 
his  decease.  And  hath  it  not  been  so  these  sixteen  hundred  years?  Have 
not  the  people  been  grieved,  robbed,  and  spoiled,  by  those  wolves  that 
soon  got  the  sheep's  clothing,  (the  apostle's  and  disciple's  words,)  and 
turned  against  the  life  and  the  sheep,  and  grieved  them?  And  these 
Christ  prophesied  of  before  his  departure,  saying,  "  False  prophets  shall 
rise,  and  deceive  many,"  and  "  love  would  wax  cold,  and  iniquity 
abound,"  &c.  "By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them;"  they  have  the 
"sheep's  clothing,  but  inwardly  ravening  wolves."  Here  is  the  true  cha- 
racter of  the  false  prophets,  and  false  apostles,  and  by  this  ye  shall 
know  them.  "Do  men  gather  grapes  of  thorns  and  figs  of  thistles?" 
Can  you  expect  a  harmless  life  in  a  grievous  wolf?  Though  he  have 
the  sheep's  clothing,  is  not  his  nature  greedy  and  ravening,  and  devour- 
ing among  the  sheep  and  lambs?  Dotli  his  covering  change  his  nature? 

32 


250 


Hear  this,  O  ye  priests  and  prelates,  bishops,  and  the  rest  of  your  brood, 
and  consider,  and  see  who  are  the  thorns,  and  the  wolves,  and  the  greedy 
dogs,  that  have  never  enough,  the  biters  and  devourers,  tearers  and 
renders  of  the  sheep ;  and  look  about  you  and  behold  yourselves,  and  see 
if  you  live  in  the  life  of  what  you  speak,  whether  your  inside  agrees  with 
the  sheep's  covering,  the  saints'  words,  of  which  you  make  merchandise. 
For  God  is  rending  off  all  deceitful  coverings,  and  you  shall  appear  as 
you  are  to  the  view  of  nations,  and  no  hiding  place  shall  be  found  for 
the  worker  of  iniquity.  Though  he  profess  and  say,  Lord,  Lord,  yet  he 
is  cursed. 

Now,  if  you  say  you  are  of  Christ's  sending,  let  it  appear  by  abiding 
in  his  commands  and  doctrine.  Let  us  see  you  are  sheep  indeed,  by 
your  harmless  life,  and  your  contentedness  in  all  estates,  not  seeking  the 
people's  goods  and  money,  but  the  good  of  their  souls,  and  the  glory  of 
God,  by  bringing  forth  good  fruits  in  the  sight  of  men,  by  which,  your 
light  so  shining,  they  may  glorify  the  Lord  of  heaven ;  and  leave  grieving 
the  people  by  minding  your  bellies,  what  you  shall  eat  and  drink,  and 
wherewith  you  shall  be  clothed,  &c.  I  say,  eat  of  that  bread  which 
comes  down  from  heaven,  and  don't  so  much  mind  the  earth,  but  be 
clothed  with  humility,  and  walk  in  love ;  for  he  that  loveth  not,  know- 
eth  not  God.  For  the  apostles  of  Christ's  sending  were  harmless.  "  We 
seek  not  yours  but  you:"  "  I  have  coveted  no  man's  gold,  or  silver,  or  ap- 
parel;" and  "  we  have  the  spirit  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind;"  then  not 
an  earthly,  but  redeemed  from  it  unto  God,  as  kings  and  priests,  to  reign 
over  it.  So,  if  you  be  not  found  in  this  inwardly,  as  well  as  talk  of 
these  good  things  with  the  mouth  and  tongue  outwardly,  we- shall  judge 
you  in  the  infallible  judgment  of  Christ,  that  you  are  not  sent  of  him, 
but  are  the  contrary,  against  him,  of  antichrist,  the  grievers,  the  thorns, 
the  raveners,  of  the  stock  of  Cain  and  lineage  of  the  great  whore, 
mystery  Babylon,  the  false  prophets.  By  your  fruits  you  are  and  shall 
be  manifested. 

So,  consider  these  things,  ye  rulers  and  teachers  of  England,  and 
tremble  and  quake  before  the  Lord  God,  and  put  your  mouths  in  the 
dust,  and  be  silent.  For  your  coverings  are  too  narrow,  and  your  bed 
too  short — and  God  is  stretching  the  line  of  true  judgment  over  you, 
which  shall  dash  you  as  with  an  iron  rod,  if  you  will  not  be  humbled,  and 
confess  you  have  sinned  in  all  these  things,  and  repent  speedily,  and  do 
so  no  more.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you,  which  will  shortly 
be  fulfilled. 


251 


Here  follow  some  questions,  to  be  answered  by  the  persecutors  about  religion 
and  worship,  who  are  usurping  authority  over  men's  consciences  in  such 
things  which  only  belong  to  God,  and  are  neglecting  their  own  duty  and 
place,  in  not  relieving  the  oppressed,  and  doing  justice,  and  executing  true 
and  righteous  judgment  between  man  and  nfun;  but  are  making  it  their 
work  to  ensnare  the  righteous,  and  oppress  the  innocent,  and  to  strengthen 
the  hands  of  the  wicked,  and  encourage  the  evil-doers;  for  which  thing's 
sake  God  will  rebuke  them.* 

Question  I.  Persecutor  1  what  is  the  devil,  of  whom  the  scripture 
speaks,  that  he  is  a  murderer  from  the  beginning  ?f  and  where  is  he 
now  ?  and  how  was  he  a  murderer  from  the  beginning  ?  and  about  what 
did  he  murder  from  the  beginning?  and  how  doth  he  work  in  the  heart* 
of  the  children  of  disobedience?  and  what  are  his  works  and  where  are 
they,  which  are  manifest,  which  the  son  of  God  was  manifested  to  de- 
stroy? J 

II.  What  was  Cain,  of  which  the  scripture  speaks,  that  he  was  of 
the  wicked  one  ?  And  what  was  the  wicked  one  of  which  Cain 
was.  if  it  be  not  the  devil  And  how  was  Cain  of  the  wicked  one,  or 
the  devil,  if  it  were  not  because  he  persecuted  and  slew  his  brother 
about  sacrifice  and  worship  ?|| 

Q.  III.  What  is  the  great  whore  which  is  called  mystery  Babylon, 
of  which  the  scripture  declares,  that  she  hath  reigned  over  nations, 
kindreds,  peoples,  tongues,  and  languages,  and  kings  of  the  earth;  seeing 
she  is  called,  the  mother,  or  original  of  all  abominations  of  the  earth, 
and  that  in  her  is  found  the  blood  of  the  prophets  and  saints,  and  of  all 
that  were  slain  on  the  earth  .,-T  What  is  the  mother  of  all  abominations, 
if  not  that  spirit  that  led  out  from  God,  and  persecuted,  killed,  and 
murdered  about  religion  and  worship  ?  Whether  all  abominations  did 
not  proceed  from  this  spirit  And  whether  the  legions  be  not  in  that 
vessel,  where  this  murderer  dwells,  who  is  king  over  all  the  children  of 
pride  ?ft 

Q-  IV.  Whether  the  devil  was  not  Cain's  father  and  the  great  whore 
his  mother,  seeing  the  scripture  saith,  he  was  of  the  wicked  one;  and 
the  Pharisees,  who  persecuted  to  death  about  worship  and  sacrifice, 
were  of  their  father  the  devil.Jj  And  in  the  whore,  mystery  Babylon, 
was  found  the  blood  of  all  the  prophet-  and  saint-.  A:  c.  and  if  all  the  blood 
of  the  saints  was  found  in  her.  then  whether  any  can  be  found  out  of 
her.  when  diligent  inquisition  is  made  bv  the  spirit  of  the  righteous  God? 

•  PsaJ.  82,  83.  f  John  viii.  44.  |  Ephes.  ii.  2.    1  John  iii.  8. 

$  John  iii.  12.  3  Gen.  iv.3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8.  J  Read  Kev.  xvii.  and  xviii. 

*•  Job  xli.  34.  jf  Isa.  xxvii.  1.  John  viii.  44. 


252 


But  if  none  of  the  righteous  blood  be  found  out  of  her,  but  all  found  in 
her,  then,  whether  Cain  and  the  devil  were  not  of  and  in  this  mystery 
Babylon,  the  great  whore,  who  were  murderers  from  the  beginning 
about  sacrifice  and  worship,  by  whom  righteous  Abel  was  killed  from 
the  beginning.* 

Q.  V.  What  is  Cain's  mark,  and  Cain's  way,  of  which  it  is  written  in 
the  scripture,  "  God  set  a  mark  upon  Cain,"  or  takes  notice  of  him  by 
something  by  which  he  may  be  known,  and  "Wo  unto  them,  for  they  have 
gone  in  the  way  of  Cain,"  &c?  Now,  what  is  Cain's  mark  and  his  way, 
canst  thou  answer  me?  if  it  be  not  persecution  and  murdering  about 
religion  and  sacrifice  in  the  wrath  and  envy,  seeing  the  scripture  saith, 
his  countenance  fell,  and  he  was  wroth,  and  slew  his  brother?  u  And 
wherefore  slew  he  him  1  Because  his  own  works  were  evil,  and  his 
brother's  righteous  :"f  mark  the  occasion  of  persecution,  and  who  are  the 
persecuted,  and  of  whom  are  the  persecutors,  seeing  Cain  was  of  that 
wicked  one,  who  slew  his  brother  about  sacrifice,  a  matter  of  con- 
science towards  God  ? 

Q.  VI.  What  is  the  beast,  and  his  mark  or  image,  which  carrieth  the 
great  whore,  which  all  the  world  hath  wondered  after,  and  worshipped, 
or  bowed  down  to ;  seeing  the  scripture  saith,  "  The  whore  sat  upon 
many  waters,  and  the  waters  were  nations,  tongues,  peoples,  multitudes, 
and  languages;  and  she  reigneth  over  the  kings  of  the  earth,  who  were 
made  drunk  with  the  cup  of  her  fornications,  and  her  merchants  were 
the  great  men  of  the  earth,"J  &c. 

Q.  VII.  And  whether  this  beast  be  not  the  great  red  dragon,  which 
carrieth  the  great  whore,  which  stands  ready  to  devour  the  man-child 
of  the  true  woman,  which  was  fled  into  the  wilderness  for  a  time,  times 
and  a  half,  into  a  place  appointed  ?  And  whether  this  child  which  the 
dragon  would  devour,  be  not  that  seed  of  the  woman,  which  was  pro- 
mised, should  bruise  the  serpent's  head  ?  And  whether  this  dragon  be 
not  the  old  serpent,  the  devil,  and  satan,  which  rules  in  the  hearts  of  the 
children  of  disobedience,  whose  head  must  be  bruised  by  the  woman's 
seed?  And  whether  the  devil  doth  not  know,  he  hath  but  a  short  time, 
when  this  seed  comes  forth  to  reign,  whose  right  it  is  ?§ 

Q,.  VIII.  Whether  this  seed,  or  child  of  the  woman,  which  must  bruise 
the  serpent's  head,  be  not  Christ,  or  the  appearance  of  God  manifest  in 
flesh  among  and  in  his  despised  and  afflicted  people  in  all  ages  ?  And 

#  Gen.  iv. 

-f-  Mark,  ye  that  swear,  and  compel  to  swear,  and  imprison  the  harmless  for  not  swear- 
ing; your  works  are  evil;  for  ye  transgress  the  commands  of  Christ  Jesus,  whom  all 
are  to  hear  and  obey,  who  saith,  swear  not  at  all;  and  they  that  obey  him,  their  works 
are  righteous;  and  God  doth  and  will  put  a  difference  between  them  and  you  about 
these  things,  as  it  is  written,  even  as  between  Cain  and  Abel. 

*  Rev.  xviii.  §  Kev.  sii.  12,13,  14,  15,  16,  17. 


253 


whether  the  dragon,  that  would  devour  it,  be  not  the  devil,  that  rules 
in  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  disobedience,  the  false  christians,  stirring 
them  up  to  persecute  and  murder  about  religion  and  worship ;  seeing 
Cain,  that  did  so,  was  of  the  wicked  one,  the  murderer  from  the  begin- 
ning, and  the  blood  of  all  the  prophets  and  saints  is  found  in  the  mother 
of  all  abominations,  which  is  carried  or  upheld  by  a  scarlet  coloured 
beast,  mark  that.* 

Q.  IX.  And  whether  the  spirit  of  this  beast,  which  carrieth  this  great 
whore,  doth  not  go  downward  to  the  earth,  and  feed  upon  the  earth, 
and  the  things  of  the  earth,  and  mind  the  earth,  its  pleasures,  pride, 
covetousness,  and  ambition,  and  is  pushing  with  its  horns  like  the  false 
prophets,  Ezek.  xxxiv.  ruling  with  oppression  and  cruelty,  and  perse- 
cuting and  afflicting  about  religion  and  worship,  minding  honour  below, 
storming  and  raging,  for  fear  of  loosing  the  devil's  kingdom  and  his  works, 
which  the  son  of  God,  the  true  woman's  seed,  is  come  to  destroy,  in 
whom  is  known  the  spirit  of  a  man  which  goes  upward  ?  But  dust  is  the 
serpent's  meat,  and  upon  his  belly  he  goes  ail  the  days  of  his  life,  and  no 
higher.  There  he  feeds,  and  out  of  his  dark  holes  he  creepeth,  spitting 
forth  his  poison  and  venom  against  that  which  is  always  caught  up  to  God 
out  of  his  reach,  though  he  casts  out  his  fiery-like  floods  after  the  woman 
and  her  child,  and  makes  war  with  the  remnant  of  her  seed,  (which 
are  this  day  in  being,)  which  keep  the  commandments  and  have  the 
testimony  of  Jesus.  Mark,  the  child,  whose  life  the  dragon,  beast,  whore, 
and  false  prophet  seek  to  destroy,  is  caught  up  to  God  out  of  their  reach, 
and  ever  was,  and  ever  will  be.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God 
unto  all  persecutors  upon  earth,  both  teachers  and  rulers,  about  religion, 
sacrifice,  and  worship,  you  tread  the  outward  court.  The  serpent  bruised 
the  heel,  mark  that ;  and  not  the  head.  The  head  is  in  the  holy  city, 
where  the  dogs,  (the  biters,)  whoremongers,  and  murderers  cannot  come. 
But  beware  how  you  sport  with  the  vessels  of  the  Lord,  for  they  are  holy 
that  bear  them,  lest  the  hand- writing  on  the  wall  appear  against  you, 
and  you  be  smitten  with  a  final  destruction/)-  And  fear  before  the  God 
of  Daniel,  who  is  persecuted  for  worshipping  his  God  at  this  day  among 
his  brethren :  for  he  was  a  trembler  at  God's  word.J 

So,  remember  you  are  once  more  warned,  as  God's  witness  shall 
answer  on  your  death  bed.  If  you  go  on  in  Cain's  way,  you  shall  have 
Cain's  portion,  banished  from  God's  peace  and  rest,  with  greater  punish- 
ments than  you  will  be  able  to  bear.  And  if  you  are  in  the  whore's 
way,  in  which  the  Pharisees  were,  professing  of  religion,  and  making 
long  prayers,  and  yet  persecuting  about  it,  you  must  partake  of  their 
woes  and  judgments.  And  if  you  are  in  the  beast,  dragon,  and  false 
prophets  way,  and  Balaam's  way,  minding  earthly  things,  greedy  of 
filthy  lucre,  casting  into  prisons,  (for  your  bellies,  pride,  covetousness, 
*  Rev.  xvii.  3.         \  Dan.  v.  throughout.         +  Dan.  x.  11. 


254 


and  earthly  honour's  sake,)  the  innocent  followers  of  the  lamb,  the 
true  woman's  seed,  that  keeps  Christ's  commands,  you  must  be  cast  into 
the  lake  of  fire,  in  God's  wrath  and  vengeance,  to  be  tormented  forever 
and  ever,  as  it  is  written  * 

Therefore  try  yourselves,  of  what  birth  you  are,  whether  you  are  of 
Cam  or  Abel,  of  God  or  the  devil,  of  the  true  woman  or  church  of  Christ, 
in  deed  and  in  truth,  walking  in  his  steps,  in  the  self  denial,  bearing 
witness  for  the  truth,  led  from  prison  to  judgment  for  the  testimony 
which  you  hold,  and  for  the  word  of  patience;  for  this  declares  his  gene- 
ration^ 

Or  whether  you  are  the  seed  of  the  adulterers  and  the  whore,  which 
Isaiah  speaks  of,  Chap.  lvii.  3.  and  John  in  the  revelations ;  which  drunk 
the  blood  of  the  saints.  Read  your  state,  and  see  who  is  your  father 
and  mother;  for  there  is  no  daubing  in  God's  sight  with  untempered 
mortar.  You  must  be  of  the  one,  or  the  other;  of  Jerusalem,  the  holy 
city,  or  of  Babylon,  the  great  whore.  The  false  church  or  the  true  you 
are  of:  therefore  let  no  man  deceive  you  with  flatteries  and  smooth  things; 
for  this  testimony  will  stand  before  God,  angels  and  men.  And  I  am 
thus  far  clear  of  all  your  blood;  and  you  will  be  left  without  excuse, 
whether  you  hear  or  forbear. 

William  Bayly. 

Fear  none  of  those  things  which  thou  shalt  suffer;  behold,  the  devil 
shall  cast  some  of  you  into  prison,  that  ye  may  be  tried;  and  ye  shall 
have  tribulation  ten  days.  But  be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will 
give  thee  a  crown  of  life4 

Have  respect  unto  the  covenant;  for  the  dark  places  of  the  earth  are 
full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty.§ 

Beware  of  false  prophets,  which  come  to  you  in  sheep's  clothing,  but 
inwardly  they  are  ravening  wolves;  ye  shall  know  them  by  their  fruits.ff 

Do  not  rich  men  oppress  you,  and  draw  you  before  the  iudgment- 
seat,  fcc.^f  & 

He  that  loveth  his  brother,  abideth  in  the  light,  and  there  is  none 
occasion  of  stumbling  in  him;  but  he  that  hateth  his  brother,  is  in  dark- 
ness, and  walketh  in  darkness,  and  knoweth  not  whither  he  goeth,  be- 
cause that  darkness  hath  blinded  his  eyes.** 

For,  this  is  the  message  that  ye  heard  from  the  beginning,  that  we 
should  love  one  another;  not  as  Cain,  who  was  of  that  wicked  one,  and 
slew  his  brother;  and  wherefore  slew  he  him?  because  his  own  works 
were  evil,  and  his  brother's  righteous.  Marvel  not,  my  brethren,  if  the 
world  hate  you;  we  know,  that  we  have  passed  from  death  to  life,  be- 
cause we  love  the  brethren.  He  that  loveth  not  his  brothr,  abideth  in 
death.  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer ;  and  ye  know,  that 
no  murderer  hath  eternal  life,  &c.ft  W.  B. 

•  Rev.  xix.  19,  20.  and  xx.  10.  and  xiv.  19,  20.  Sec.  f  Tsa.  liii.  8.  +  Rev.  ii.  20. 
§Psal.  lxX,v r  2C .  ||  Matt.  vii.  15,  16.  1  James  ii.  6,  7.  **  1  John  ii.  11.  ft  1  John 
in.  ii,  J  4y  Jii,  14.  15. 


A  vindication  of  the  commands  and  doctrine  of  Christ  Jesus,  and 
of  his  people,  in  their  faithful  obedience  to  him,  against  all 
swearers  and  swearing  whatsoever,  according  to  the  scriptures  of 
truth:  with  a  few  words  unto  all  such  rulers,  teachers,  and  people, 
of  what  degree  or  sort  soever,  that  have  a  hand  in  afflicting,  per- 
secuting, and  casting  such  into  prisons,  who  for  conscience*  sake 
dare  not  break  the  commands  of  Christ,  nor  go  out  of  his  doctrine. 
And  it  is  one  visitation  and  warning  more  from  the  Lord  unto 
them,  before  he  sweeps  the  land  of  evil  doers  with  the  besom  of 
their  final  destruction. 


For  the  land  is  full  of  adulterers:  for  because  of  swearing  the  land  mourneth,  &c. 
for  both  prophet  and  priest  are  profane.  Wherefore  their  way  shall  be  unto  them  as 
slippery  ways  in  darkness;  tliey  shall  be  driven  on,  and  fall  therein;  for  I  will  bring 
evil  upon  them,  even  the  year  of  their  visitation,  saith  the  Lord.  Jer.  xxiii.  10,  11,  12. 


Now,  seeing  the  great  controversy  at  this  day,  between  the  false  * 
christians  and  the  true,  namely,  the  persecuting  powers  of  this  genera- 
tion, and  the  royal  seed  and  people  of  God  called  Quakers,  is  about 
swearing  and  oaths,  and  the  like  matters  appertaining  to  religion,  and 
worship  of  God,  which  are  matters  of  conscience,  the  answer  of  which 
before  God  in  the  day  of  death,  is  a  man's  eternal  condemnation,  or 
justification  and  salvation.  It  therefore  lies  upon  me  at  this  time,  to 
vindicate  the  only  right  and  propriety  of  Christ  Jesus  in  the  consciences 
of  his  people;  and  also  of  his  people,  in  their  faithfulness  and  obedience 
unto  him,  (who  is  the  head  of  his  church,  and  whose  right  alone  it  is 
to  reign,)  against  that  doctrine  and  soul-destroying  principle  <of  imposing 
oaths,  or  any  other  thing  whatsoever,  which  concerns  the  exercise  of 
the  soul  and  conscience,  which  is  immortal,  towards  God  or  any  part  of 
his  worship,  &c. 

1.  It  is  written  in  the  second  epistle  of  John,  at  the  ninth,  tenth,  and 
eleventh  verses,  on  this  wise,  viz.  "Whosoever  transgresseth,  and  abid- 
eth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  hath  not  God:  he  that  abideth  in  the 
doctrine  of  Christ,  he  hath  both  the  Father  and  the  son.  And  if  there 
come  any  unto  you,  and  bring  not  this  doctrine,  deceive  him  not  into 
your  house,  neither  bid  him  God  speed:  for  he  that  biddeth  him  God 
speed,  is  partaker  of  his  evil  deeds." 

2.  Now,  if  any  to  whom  this  may  come,  should  be  ignorant  of  what 
he  meaneth,  or  what  this  doctrine  of  Christ  is,  or  what  this  word  doc- 
trine doth  signify,  let  them  take  notice  of  what  folio weth. 


256 


As  for  the  word  doctrine,  it  signifies  teaching,  or  that  which  is  taught; 
so  that  the  doctrine  of  Christ  is  that  which  he  taught,  or  doth  teach; 
and  it  may  be  truly  read  thus  :  "Whosoever  abideth  not  in  the  teach- 
ing of  Christ,  or  in  what  he  taught,  or  teacheth,  hath  not  God,"  &c. 
Now  mark,  such  a  one  that  abideth  not  in  that  which  Christ  taught, 
hath  not  God ;  but  he  that  doth  abide  in  what  Christ  hath  taught  and 
teacheth,  hath  both  the  Father  and  the  son. 

3.  Now,  the  controversy  being  very  great  at  this  day,  between  two 
sorts  of  people  in  this  nation  of  England,  about  religious  matters,  for 
which  the  one  doth  persecute,  abuse,  imprison,  rob,  spoil,  and  greatly 
oppress  and  afflict  the  other,  viz:  for  conscience  sake,  for  abiding  in  the 
doctrine,  and  obeying  the  commands  of  Christ ;  let  us,  therefore,  mark 
and  try  the  difference  of  these  people  according  to  the  scriptures  of 
truth,  which  those  persecutors  themselves  profess  in  their  rule :  so  by 
their  own  rule  let  them  be  tried. 

4.  Now,  the  people  who  are  thus  persecuted  and  abused,  &c.  are 
such  as  abide  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  in  that  which  he  taught  and 
teacheth,  (for  which  they  are  persecuted,)  and  have  both  the  Father 
and  the  son.*  And  their  persecutors  and  oppressors  are  such  as  break 
•the  commands,  and  abide  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  so  have  not 
God;  as  will  be  proved  and  made  manifest:  neither  are  they  to  be  bid 
God  speed;  for  such  as  bid  them  God  speed,  or  side  with  them,  are  par- 
takers of  their  evil  deeds.  So  they  that  have  not  God,  but  are  without 
God,  are  the  persecutors  and  afflicters  of  them,  that  have  both  the  Fa- 
ther and  the  son.  Let  all  people  take  notice  of  this.  And  now  is  the 
scripture  fulfilled,  "These  things  will  they  do  unto  you  for  my  name's 
sake,  because  they  know  not  him  that  sent  me."f 

5.  Now  what  the  doctrine  of  Christ  is,  or  what  he  hath  taught,  or 
doth  teach  his  friends  and  disciples  to  do,  and  to  leave  undone,  may  be 
mentioned  in  many  particulars,  but  at  present  I  may  omit,  but  what 
is  in  my  aim,  as  to  the  thing  in  hand,  which  is  about  swearing  and 
oaths. 

6.  And  now  that  Christ  Jesus  did  forbid  his  disciples  to  swear,  and 
that  it  was  his  doctrine  which  he  taught  them,  not  to  swear  at  all,  may 
be  easily  proved;  yea,  though  they  were  such  oaths  and  swearing  as 
were  lawful,  and  commanded  in  old  time,  and  to  be  performed  to  the 
Lord,J  as  may  be  read  in  the  record  of  Matthew.  "Again:  ye  have 
heard  that  it  hath  been  said  by  them  in  old  time,  thou  shalt  not  for- 
swear thyself,  but  shalt  perform  unto  the  Lord  thine  oaths.  But  I  say 
unto  you,  swear  not  at  all;  neither  by  heaven,  for  it  is  God's  throne; 
neither  by  the  earth,  for  it  is  his  foot-stool;  neither  by  Jerusalem,  for  if 


2  John  9. 


f  John  xv.  21. 


X  Matt.  v.  33,  34,  &c. 


257 


is  the  city  of  the  great  king;  neither  shalt  thou  swear  by  thy  head,  be- 
cause thou  canst  not  make  one  hair  white  or  black.  But  let  your  com- 
munication be  yea,  yea;  nay,  nay;  for  whatsoever  is  more  than  these, 
cometh  of  evil." 

And  said  James,  a  servant  of  God,  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to 
his  brethren,  who  wrote  to  the  twelve  tribes  scattered  abroad,  *"Above 
all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not ;  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the 
earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath;  but  let  your  yea  be  yea,  and  your 
nay,  nay,  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation:"  bringing  with  him  the  very 
same  doctrine  which  Christ  taught  them,  in  which  whosoever  abideth 
not,  hath  not  God,  let  him  profess  what  he  will.  For  saith  John,  in  his 
first  epistle,  "We  are  of  God;  he  that  knoweth  God,  heareth  us;  he 
that  is  not  of  God,  heareth  not  us;  hereby  know  we  the  spirit  of  truth, 
and  the  spirit  of  error:"  clearly  manifesting  that  such  as  bring  not  "the 
same  doctrine  with  them,  are  in  the  spirit  of  error,  and  that  abide  not 
therein,  are  not  of  God,  but  of  the  world,  "and  the  whole  world  lieth 
in  wickedness."f  So  he  that  saith,  I  know  him,  (or  profess  him,)  and 
keepeth  not  his  commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  out  of  the  truth,  and  so  a 
deceiver  and  an  anti-christ,  denying  both  the  Father  and  the  son.  For 
whosoever  denieth  Christ's  words  and  doctrine,  hath  denied  him  also; 
and  he  that  denieth  him,  denieth  the  Father.  But  he  that  acknowledg- 
ed the  son,  hath  the  Father  also,  (not  only  with  the  lips,)  for  the  Fa- 
ther hath  committed  all  power  and  judgment  to  the  son,  that  all  men 
should  honour  the  son,  even  as  they  honour  the  Father,  who  said,  "This 
is  my  beloved  son,  hear  ye  him."J  But  they  that  break  his  commands, 
and  abide  not  in  his  doctrine,  do  dishonour  him,  and  are  contrary  to 
him,  of  anti-christ,  without  God,  in  the  wrorld,  &c. 

7.  Objection.— Now  some  may  object,  and  say,  that  these  com- 
mands or  doctrines  of  Christ  Jesus,  and  his  servant  James,  about  oaths 
and  swearing,  were  not  to  disannul,  make  void,  or  prohibit  all  swearing 
and  oaths,  as  religious  oaths,  (as  some  call  them,)  or  oaths  of  allegiance 
or  obedience  to  superiors,  before  a  magistrate  lawfully  tendered,  or  the 
like;  but  vain  and  frivolous  oaths  and  swearing  in  their  common  talk, 
or  such  superstitious  and  idolatrous  swearing  and  oaths  as  the  Pharisees 
used,  w7ho  said  it  was  nothing  to  swear  by  the  temple,  but  whosoever 
shall  swear  by  the  gold  of  the  temple,  he  is  a  debtor,§  &c.  Against 
whom  Christ  denounced  many  woes,  and  called  them  fools  and  blind. 

8.  Answer. — Now,  first  consider  to  whom  Christ  and  his  servant 
James  did  speak,  and  read  their  words,  and  weigh  them  in  the  fear  of 
God,  (Matt.  v.  vL  ch.)  and  thou  mayest  see  that  Christ  spake  to  his  own 

*  James  v.  12.  f  1  John  iv.  5,  6.— chap.  v.  19.—-chap.  ii.  22,  23.        'r  >UU. 

x?ii.  5.  §  Matt,  xxiii. 

33 


258 


disciples,  expounding  the  things  concerning  the  law,  wherein  was  writ- 
ten, "Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery;  thou  shalt  not  kill,"*  &c.  And 
"An  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth,"  &c.  And  "Whosoever 
shall  put  away  his  wife,  let  him  give  her  a  writing  of  divorcement"! 
Calling  the  time  of  the  law,  the  old  time,  in  which  these  things  were 
given  forth  as  commandments  by  the  Lord;  as  also  swearing  in  that  time 
was  commanded,  and  lawful,  and  the  oaths  to  be  performed  to  the  Lord, 
as  may  be  read,  "If  a  man  vow  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  or  swear  an  oath 
to  bind  his  soul  with  a  bond,  he  shall  not  break  his  word,  he  shall  do 
according  to  all  that  proceedeth  out  of  his  mouth,"J  &c.  And  "  Thou 
shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  him,  and  shalt  swear  by  his  name."§ 
And  "Every  one  that  sweareth  by  him  shall  glory;  but  the  mouth  of 
them  that  speak  lies  shall  be  stopped."  And  the  angel  swore,  and  Abra- 
ham and  Isaac  swore;  and  in  Isaiah  lxv.  16 :  "And  he  that  sweareth  in 
the  earth,  shall  swear  by  the  God  of  truth,  but  the  mouth  of  the  liar 
shall  be  stopped."  And  Joseph  and  David  swore,  and  many  more,  that 
might  be  mentioned.  So  that  swearing  by  the  God  of  truth  in  the  earth, 
was  lawful  in  the  old  time  of  which  Christ  spake,  as  is  sufficiently  proved, 
Gen.  xxi.  24.  and  xxvi.  31.  and  xlii.  15.  But  these  things  were  but  for 
their  time  and  season;  for  the  law  served,  (and  the  old  time  swearing 
and  ceremonies,)  till  the  seed  came,||  which  is  Christ,  the  new  and  living 
way,  who  saith,  "Swear  not  at  all."^  So,  these  were  no  such  frivolous 
oaths,  neither  was  it  only  such  profane  or  superstitious  swearing,  of 
which  Christ  was  here  speaking  and  forbidding  his  disciples,  or  such 
oaths  as  the  Pharisees  used  among  them;  but  such  as  were  to  be  per- 
formed in  the  old  time  to  the  Lord,  even  in  the  time  of  the  law  and  the 
prophets,  of  whom  Christ,  the  substance,  is  the  end,  to  every  one  that 
believeth,  who  saith,  "Swear  not  at  all." 

9.  And  again:  do  ye  conceit  or  believe,  that  the  disciples  of  Jesus 
Christ,  whom  he  sometimes  called  brethren  and  children,  were  such 
common  or  profane  swearers,  or  did  swear  in  their  common  talk,  as  you 
false  christians  do,  who  profess  him  and  his  doctrine,  and  practice  only 
in  words  and  show?  Or  do  ye  think  or  imagine  it  was  only  the  Phari- 
sees' blind  superstitious  swearing,  or  the  like,  that  he  forbade  them?  If 
so,  then  why  did  he  mention  the  old  time,  and  those  other  things  of  the 
law,  and  say,  "  Ye  have  heard,  that  it  hath  been  said  by  them  of  old 
time,  thou  shalt  not  forswear  thyself,  but  shall  perform  unto  the  Lord 
thine  oaths,"  &c.  This  could  not  be  the  Pharisees'  oaths  and  swearing 
then  present,  neither  any  such  profane  or  superstitious  oaths,  because 
they  were  such  oaths  as  were  to  be  performed  to  the  Lord,  and  not  at  that 

«  Exod.  xx.  and  xiv.  14.  f  Deut.  xxiv.  1,  he.  *  Numb.  xxx.  2.  §  Deut.  vi.  13. 
||  Gal.  iii.    1  Matt.  v.  34. 


259 


present  time  of  the  Pharisees,*  but  in  the  old  time  of  which  they  had 
heard.  Or  canst  thou  say,  that  ever  the  Pharisees'  blind  swearing,  or 
foolish,  confused  oaths,f  were  ever  commanded  by  the  Lord,  or  to  be 
performed  to  him?  which  I  judge  no  man  can  prove. 

10.  But  however,  or  what  oaths  or  swearing  soever  it  was,  of  which 
there  and  then  he  wTas  speaking,  and  forbidding  his  disciples,  it  was  suf- 
ficient for  them  then,  and  for  the  disciples  of  Christ,  the  true  christians 
now,  that  he  hath  positively  commanded,  (which  is  not  to  be  disputed 
by  them  that  follow  him,)  saying,  "But  1  say  unto  you,  swear  not  at  all;" 
seeing  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  all  judgment  and  authority, 
is  given  and  committed  to  him,  of  whom  God  hath  said,  "This  is  my  be- 
loved son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased;  hear  ye  him." 

11.  And  again,  "God,  who,  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers  manners, 
spake  in  times  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  hath  in  these  last 
days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  son,  whom  he  hath  appointed  heir  of  all 
things,  by  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds,"  &c.  Now,  if  Abraham,  Isaac 
and  Jacob,  David  and  Solomon,  Moses,  Isaiah,  or  Joseph  did  swear,  these 
were  all  but  servants  in  the  old  time.  But  the  son,  who  is  the  heir  of 
all  things,  by  whom  the  worlds  were  made,  who  is  above  the  servants, 
by  whom  God  speaks  in  these  last  days,  the  new  and  living  way,  to 
whom  all  power  is  given  in  heaven  and  earth,  whom  all  are  to  heari 
saith,  "  Swear  not  at  all."  And  though  the  angel  swore,  yet  he  is  but  a 
servant,  as  he  himself  said  to  John,  "  See  thou  do  it  not,  for  I  am  thy 
fellow  servanfc"|  But  Christ,  the  son,  is  the  heir  of  all  things,  and  hath 
obtained  a  more  excellent  name  than  the  angels,  by  inheritance.^  And 
again,  "When  he  bringeth  in  the  first  begotten  into  the  world,  he  saith, 
And  let  all  the  angels  of  God  worship  him."|| 

12.  And  said  Paul,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  "  If  an  angel  from 
heaven  should  preach  another  gospel,  (or  doctrine)  unto  you,  than  that 
which  we  have  preached,  let  him  be  accursed."  So  that  we  are  not 
to  look  at  any  that  swore  in  old  time,  or  in  days  past,  for  our  example 
and  rule,  though  it  be  an  angel  from  heaven,  contrary  to  Christ's  doc- 
trine and  command,  who  saith,  "  Swear  not  at  all." 

13.  For  the  scripture,  2  John  ix.  doth  not  say,  whosoever  abideth  not 
in  the  doctrine  of  angels,  or  of  Isaiah,  David  or  Solomon,  &c.  hath  not 
God,  but  "  whosoever  abideth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ  hath  not  God," 
and  he  that  doth  abide  in  it,  "hath  both  the  Father  and  the  son;"  for  he 
that  obeyeth  the  son,  obeyeth  the  Father  also;  for  the  Father  hath 
committed  all  things  unto  the  son,  whom  he  hath  given  for  a  leader  and 
commander  to  the  people,  and  to  be  his  salvation  to  the  ends  of  the 

*  Matt.  v.        f  Matt,  xxiii.  *  Hebr.  i.  1.        $  Rev.  iud.  9.       ||  Hebr.  i.  4. 

f  Vers.  5,  6,  &c. 


260 


earth.  And  there  is  no  other  name  given  under  heaven  whereby  men 
shall  be  saved:  neither  of  men  or  angels:  for  he  was  before  Abraham 
was,  and  is  greater  than  Solomon,  and  David's  Lord,  and  higher  than 
the  angels,  who  commands,  not  to  swear  at  all* 

14.  Object.  Now  if  any  should  yet  object  and  say,  did  not  God  himself 
swear  by  himself?t  and  the  apostle  Paul  say,  an  oath  for  confirmation 
among  men  was  the  end  of  strife,  &c?  Doth  not  this  allow  of  swearing; 
and  make  room  for  oaths  now  among  men,  in  these  days,  &c? 

15.  Answ.  That  which  God  did  in  days  past  concerning  swearing, 
mentioned  Heb.  chap.  vi.  it  was  to  confirm  his  promise  made  to  Abraham 
and  to  his  seed,  and  they  that  are  Christ's  are  Abraham's  seed,  and  heirs 
according  to  promise ;  and  such  are  Christ's  that  abide  in  his  doctrine, 
and  do  his  commands,  they  only  are  his  friends.  And  by  way  of  similitude 
did  the  apostle  Paul  there  speak  of  it,  and  not  by  command  or  doctrine; 
(he  that  reads,  let  him  understand,)  that  men  by  an  oath  did  end  the 
controversy  or  strife  among  them,  and  confirm  the  thing  about  which 
they  swore,  who  did  swear  by  the  greater,  as  I  have  before  mentioned, 
by  them  in  the  old  time,  Num.  xxx.  2.  Deut.  vi.  13,  &c.  So  that  the 
apostle  said,  "Because  God  could  not  find  a  greater,  he  did  swear  by 
himself  to  Abraham,  saying,  Surely  in  blessing  I  will  bless  thee,  and  in 
.multiplying  I  will  multiply  thee,"  &c.  This  was  a  promise  made  to 
Abraham  with  an  oath,  putting  him  out  of  all  doubt  that  he  would  fulfil 
it;  and  so  he  staggered  not  at  it,  but  patiently  waited  till  it  came  to  pass. J 

16.  So  that  this  is  only  a  parable,  showing  that  if  among  men  an  oath 
did  confirm  a  thing,  and  end  the  strife,  and  that  men  did  perform  their 
oaths,  who  did  swear  by  the  greater,  which  was  once  commanded  by 
him,  how  much  more  would  the  Lord  be  faithful  to  perform  his  oath, 
which  he  sware  by  himself,  who  is  the  greatest,  to  Abraham  and  to  his 
seed,  seeing  "  he  cannot  lie,  nor  is  he  a  man  that  he  should  repent,'' 
but  is  the  righteous  judge  of  all  the  earth,  that  doth  right.§ 

17.  So  that  this  is  neither  precept,  example,  or  command  for  the  chris- 
tians, the  disciples  of  Christ,  now  in  these  last  days,  for  swearing  and 
oaths,  but  a  repetition  of  what  was  done  in  times  past,  the  old  time,||  to 
the  fathers,  as  he  speaks,  which  was  in  divers  manners  and  at  sundry 
times;  but  now  he  hath  spoken  unto  us  in  his  son  and  heir,  who  is  before 
Abraham  and  the  end  of  the  old  time,  the  law  and  the  prophets,  who  saith 
"Swear  not  at  all." 

18.  Object.  But  did  not  God  swear  by  himself,  and  will  not  repent? 
But  this  seems  as  if  God  did  repent,  seeing  now  bf  his  son,  to  whom  he 
hath!  given  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  he  commands  not  to  swear 

*  Matt.  v.  f  Hebr.  ix.  13.  *  Hebr.  vi.  15.  §  Gen.  xviii.  25. 

(|  Hebr.  L  I,  D  Cbap.  v'i'i.  21. 


261 


at  all  in  these  last  day9?  is  not  this  repenting  of  what  was  done  formerly 
in  the  old  time?  &c. 

10.  Answ.  No;  it  cannot  he  said  truly  here,  he  did  repent,  seeing  he 
hath  willingly  and  faithfully  performed  and  fulfilled  that  which  he  had 
then  sworn  and  promised ;  as  in  the  record  of  Luke  i.  72,  73,  where  it  is 
mentioned,  not  for  a  precept  of  swearing,  hut  in  thanksgiving  and 
praises  to  the  Lord,  that  he  had  performed  the  oath  which  he  had 
sworn  to  Abraham,  by  giving  them  light  who  sat  in  darkness  and  in 
the  shadow  of  death,  and  the  knowledge  of  salvation  by  the  remission 
of  their  sins,  &c. 

20.  But  where  he  spake  of  swearing,  and  will  not  repent,  it  was  con- 
cerning the  disannulling  of  all  those  priests  which  were  made  by  a  carnal 
commandment,  and  of  establishing  Christ  Jesus,  his  son,  with  an  oath, 
to  be  a  priest  for  evermore,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedeck,  an  un- 
changeable, unalterable  order,  and  not  after  the  order  of  Aaron,  which 
priesthood  was  changed,  and  so  there  was  of  necessity  a  change  also  of 
the  law,  by  which  swearing  and  oaths  were  commanded  and  tolerated. 
"For  such  an  high  priest,  (saith  the  scripture,)  became  us,  who  is  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the 
heavens,"  &c.  "  For  the  law  maketh  men  high  priests  which  have  in- 
firmity, but  the  word  of  the  oath  which  was  since  the  law,  maketh  the 
son  who  is  consecrated  for  evermore."  Mark,  the  word  of  the  oath  which 
was  since  the  law,  which  God  sware  and  will  not  repent,  maketh  the 
son  a  high  priest  for  evermore,*  at  whose  mouth  the  law  must  now  be 
sought,  as  it  was  of  the  priests  in  the  old  time,  whose  lips  were  to  pre- 
serve the  people's  knowledge.  But  now  in  the  son  Christ,  dwelleth  all 
the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  by  whom  God  speaks  in  these 
last  days,  saying,  "  This  is  my  beloved  son,  hear  ye  him,"  &c. 

21.  So  that  you  who  contend  and  plead  for  swearing,  and  oaths,  and 
persecute  about  it,  aref  yet  in  the  old  time,  and  under  the  law,  and  the 
old,  disannulled,  changeable  priesthood,  and  fall  into  condemnation ;  and 
not  undergrace,no  disciples  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  everlasting  unchangeable 
high  priest,  who  saith,  swear  not  at  all;  and  so  no  christians. 

22.  And  so  now,  ye  have  no  covering  but  what  is  too  narrow  for  your 
swearing  and  oaths,  no  shadow  of  death,  nor  dark  place  to  hide  your- 
selves under,  from  the  light  of  the  sun,  which  is  now  risen,  and  coming  up 
to  the  noon  day,  "  whom  God  hath  highly  exalted  and  given  him  a  name 
above  every  name,  that  at  his  name  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things 
in  heaven,  and  things  in  the  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth,"  &c.J 

23.  And  so  if  every  knee  should  bow  to  him,  then  must  Abraham, 
David,  and  Solomon,  Joseph,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all  the  angels  bow 


*  Mai.  ii.  7. 


f  James  v.  12. 


t  Phil.  ii.  9,  10. 


262 


their  knees,  (understand  what  name,  and  what  knees,)  of  things  in  heaven 
and  earth,  &c.  and  all  who  did  swear  in  the  old  time,  to  him  who  now 
saith,  "  swear  not  at  all,"  which  is  since  the  law  * 

24.  And  if  ye  shall  yet  again  say,  or  do  believe,  that  it  was  only  pro- 
fane swearing  and  oaths  that  Christ  there  forbade  his  disciples,  even  such 
as  drunkards  and  quarrelers  use  in  their  common  talk,  or  such  as  the 
Pharisees  used,  as  aforesaid,  and  not  lawful  or  religious  oaths. 

25.  To  this  I  answer:  if  such  profane  oaths  and  swearing,  and  such 
superstitious  and  idolatrous  swearing,  as  the  Pharisees  and  hypocrites 
then  used,  Matt,  xxiii.  were  ever  commanded  of  God,  and  to  be  per- 
formed to  him  in  the  old  time,  then  it  were  such  oaths  and  swearing : 
but  I  do  not  read  nor  believe,  nor  any  other  true  christian,  that 
God  did  ever  in  any  age,  or  to  any  people  whatsoever,  command  or 
allow  of  such  a  kind  of  swearing  and  oaths,  as  the  ungodly,  drunkards 
and  profane  people  use  in  their  common  talk,  or  such  as  the  hypocrites 
did  then  or  do  now  use,  who  persecute  them  that  witness  the  oath  and 
everlasting  covenant  of  God  fulfilled,  which  now  saith  to  his  disciples, 
"  swear  not  at  all." 

26.  But  if  it  could  be  so  proved  and  made  manifest,  yet  the  word  or 
commandment,  "  I  say  unto  you,  swear  not  at  all,"  doth  include,  to  the 
understanding  of  the  upright  and  reasonable,  all  swearing  whatsoever  to 
be  forbidden  by  Christ  Jesus,  whom  all  are  to  hear,  and  to  whom  every 
knee  must  bow. 

27.  Object.  But  here  may  yet  another  question  arise,  in  the  unsa- 
lable reasoning  part,  among  people  in  the  world,  viz.  If  all  swearing 
and  oaths  are  now  forbidden,  and  that  we  must  not  swear  at  all,  by 
the  command  of  Christ  Jesus,  what  then  will  become  of  all  the  world? 
One  man  might  kill  another,  and  steal  from  another,  and  abuse,  rob, 
and  spoil  their  neighbours,  without  restraint,  or  punishment,  seeing 
men's  words  will  not  be  taken,  as  sufficient  to  prove  any  crime  against 
any  according  to  law,  without  an  oath,  which  among  men  doth  end  the 
strife,  and  is  a  confirmation,  &c? 

28.  To  which  I  answer:  I  grant  the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness, 
as  the  apostle  John  said;  and  they  themselves  confess  the  same,  that 
they  break  the  commands  of  God  every  day  in  thought,  word,  and 
deed,  which  is  also  very  apparent  to  all  whose  eyes  are  open,  and  many 
times  complain,  "  there  is  no  health  (or  truth)  in  them,"  and  that 
they  are  "miserable  sinners."  This  is  generally  confessed  throughout 
Europe,  and  it  may  be  throughout  the  whole  world  among  the  swear- 
ers, who  are  still  in  strife  and  debate,  and  smiting  with  the  fist  of 


*  Matt.  v. 


263 


wickedness ;  notwithstanding  all  their  oaths  and  swearing,  it  ends  not 
the  strife  among  them. 

29.  But  now  mark,  these  are  all  of  the  world,  and  their  teachers, 
who  plead  for  swearing  and  oaths,  are  of  the  world,  and  the  world 
heareth  them.*  These  are  miserable  sinners,  without  truth  and  health, 
no  soundness  from  the  crown  of  the  head  to  the  sole  of  the  foot,  from 
the  high  and  mighty  to  the  beggar  on  the  dunghill :  but  all  gone  out 
of  the  way,  erred  and  strayed  from  the  right  way,  as  they  themselves 
confess. 

30.  Now,  when  these  do  steal  one  from  another,  or  kill,  murder,  or 
rob  one  another,  we  do  not  bid  them  refrain  from  swearing  one  against 
another,  in  that  case,  because  they  are  no  christians.!  "  And  what 
have  we  to  do  with  them  that  are  without  V*  as  Paul  said,  "  for  such 
God  judgeth."J  But  we  direct  and  inform  people's  minds,  and  exhort 
them  that  are  thus  in  strife  and  swearing,  killing  and  stealing,  for  which 
the  land  mourneth,§  to  come  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus  in  their  con- 
sciences, and  learn  of  him,  who  showeth  them  that  these  things  are 
evil,  and  reproves  the  whole  world  for  their  sins,  that  so  they  might  be 
taught,  as  his  disciples  are,  to  deny  all  such  ungodliness  and  these 
worldly  lusts,  from  whence  the  strife  and  swearing,  wars  and  fightings 
come,  and  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  evil 
world,  and  to  do  unto  all  men  as  they  would  have  others  do  to  them; 
and  yet  this  is  but  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

31.  Therefore  ye  should  consider,  that  this  strife,  swearing,  and  oaths 
are  not  among  christians,  who  obey  Christ's  commands,  and  abide  in 
his  doctrine,  but  in  the  world,  which  lieth  in  wickedness.  And  as  saith 
the  prophet,  "  The  wicked  will  do  wickedly  while  many  are  tried,  pu- 
rified, and  made  white,  and  none  of  the  wicked  shall  understand;"  and 
such  as  "  abideth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  but  transgresseth,  hath 
not  God."|| 

32.  So  that  all  these  things  are  among  them  that  are  out  of  the  doc- 
trine of  Christ,  who  saith,  '"'swear  not  at  all,"  and  so  are  without  God 
in  the  world,  having  their  minds  blinded/and  their  hearts  alienated  and 
estranged  from  the  covenant  of  promise,  which  Godsware  to  Abraham, 
and  strangers  to  the  commonwealth  of  Israel ;  so  are  none  of  his  disci- 
ples, whom  he  hath  taught  to  be  merciful,  and  to  do  to  all  men  as  they 
would  be  done  unto.  And  when  this  is  done  among  people,  where 
would  be  the  killing  or  stealing,  imprisoning,  or  persecuting,  if  ye  were 
but  come  to  this  ?  For  thou  wouldst  not  have  another  kill  thee,  nor 
steal  from  thee,  nor  perseute  thee  for  thy  religion  and  conscience ;  then 
take  heed  that  thou  do  likewise,  else  thou  art  no  christian,  let  thy  pro- 


1  John  18.   f  1  Cor.  v.  12,  13.    *  Hoi.  iv.  2,  3.     §  Dan.  xii.    II  2  John  ix. 


264 


fession  be  what  it  will,  or  thy  religion  and  worship,  and  outside  gar- 
ments, of  what  colour  or  form  soever.  So  that  we  do  justly  conclude, 
and  God's  witness  in  all  your  consciences  shall  one  day  witness  the  same, 
that  we  who  are  out  of  the  swearing  and  strife,  abiding  in  Christ's  doc- 
trine and  commands,  are  of  God,  "and  have  both  the  Father  and  the 
son,"*  as  it  is  written ;  how  blindly  soever  you  now  judge  of  us ;  and  that 
you  who  are  in  the  strife  and  swearing,  out  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ, 
have  not  God,  but  are  without  God,  in  the  world  that  lieth  in  wicked- 
ness, and  have  not  his  fear  before  your  eyes,  which  is  to  depart  from 
evil.    Prov.  viii.  13.  and  xix.  9. 

Therefore  consider  these  things,  all  ye  rulers,  teachers,  and  people, 
who  contend  for  swearing  and  oaths,  and  casts  the  servants  of  God  into 
your  noisome  holes  and  prison-houses,  making  long  furrows  upon  their 
backs  with  your  instruments  of  cruelty,  for  abiding  in  the  doctrine  of 
Christ  Jesus,  and  because  they  cannot  break  his  commands  by  swear- 
ing; and  yet  you  yourselves  profess  his  name  in  words,  and  say  you  are 
christians,  and  that  he  is  your  Lord  and  saviour,  and  the  like.  Away 
with  this  hypocrisy,  God's  soul  loathes  it,  and  ye  are  a  burthen  to  him, 
which  he  is  even  weary  to  bear,  and  he  will  shortly  ease  himself  of  all 
you  hypocrites,  who  cry  Lord,  Lord,  and  do  not  the  things  which  he 
commands.  This  was  the  Pharisees'  state,  the  persecutors,  to  whom  the 
woes  from  the  son  of  God  were  denounced,  as  they  are  against  you  at 
this  day. 

Therefore,  if  ye  will  now  own  swearing  and  oaths  to  be  lawful,  use- 
ful, and  tolerable,  and  plead  for  them,  and  persecute  about  them,  and 
such  things,  when  Christ  Jesus  hath  expressly  and  positively  forbidden  , 
all  swearing  to  whom  God  hath  committed  all  power  and  judgment  in 
heaven  and  earth,  to  whom  every  knee  must  bow,  who  is  made  a  high 
priest  with  an  oath,  which  God  sware  and  will  not  repent,  since  the 
law  and  the  old  time,  who  is  the  end  of  the  law  and  the  prophets,  by 
whom  God  speaks  in  these  last  days,  &c. 

Then  confess  openly  before  all  people,  that  ye  are  Jews,  living  in  the 
old  time,  under  the  law,  and  not  in  the  new  and  living  way,  Christ,  the 
end  of  the  law ;  or  that  ye  are  infidels  or  heathens ;  and  no  longer  profess 
yourselves  christians  for  shame,  or  take  the  name  of  Christ  into  your 
mouths  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  flatly  deny  him  to  become 
in  the  flesh  with  your  mouths  and  tongues,  as  ye  do  with  your  works.f 
And  that  such,  or  any  other  of  his  commands,  are  of  no  effect  or  force 
to  you,  and  so  deny  him  to  be  Lord  who  is  the  head  over  all  to  his 
church,  to  whom  every  tongue  shall  confess,  to  the  glory  of  God  the 
Father. 


2  John  ix. 


f  Tit.  i.  16. 


265 


For  if  ye  do  still  profess  him,  or  his  name  in  words,  and  that  ye  are 
his  servants,  and  call  yourselves  christians,  or  the  like,  and  yet  not  obey 
his  commands,  nor  do  the  things  which  he  hath  said,  nor  abide  in  his 
doctrine,  but  persecute  them  that  do;  we  must  and  shall  judge  you  in 
righteous  judgment,  to  be  abominable  hypocrites,  and  rebellious,  and 
disobedient  both  to  the  Father  and  the  son.  For  God  hath  said,  "This  is 
my  beloved  son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased ;  hear  ye  him."  And  the 
son  said,  "  Swear  not  at  all;"  and  John  said,  "  Whosoever  transgresseth, 
and  abideth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  hath  not  God."  And  this  is 
Christ's  doctrine  before  mentioned,  which  he  taught,  "in  which  whoso 
abideth,  hath  both  the  Father  and  the  son." 

Therefore,  take  heed  to  yourselves,  what  ye  do,  or  what  ye  intend 
to  do  against  such;  for  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  is  pleading  their  cause, 
and  will  plead  with  you  all,  who  break  his  commands,  and  teach  men 
so,  or  compel  men  so  to  do.  For  ye  are  all  out  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ, 
in  the  transgression,  though  ye  can  talk  of  him,  and  profess  him  with 
your  mouths  and  lips,  and  have  not  God,  but  are  without  God  in  the 
world,  which  lies  in  wickedness,  where  ye  are  contending  and  pleading 
for  swearing  and  oaths  in  the  old  time,  which  ends  not  your  strife, 
which  the  one  oath,  the  new  and  living  way,  ends,  who  saith,  "swear 
not  at  all."* 

So  ye,  being  without  God  in  the  world,  breaking  his  commands,  ye 
are  not  under  Christ's  government  ;  and  so  being  out  of  his  government, 
ye  are  without  his  protection.  For  he  prays  not  for  the  world,  but  for 
them  whom  he  hath  chosen  out  of  it ;  for  the  whole  world  lies  in  wick- 
edness. So,  ye  being  in  the  wickedness,  in  the  transgression,  out  of 
Christ's  protection,  who  hath  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  ye  are  in 
darkness,  and  under  the  shadow  of  death,  and  in  the  gall  of  bitterness, 
and  in  the  bond  of  iniquity,  captivated  in  the  snares  and  chains  of  the 
old  fowler,  at  his  pleasure  whom  ye  obey,  and  so  ye  are  in  such  a  pre- 
munire,  (body,  soul,  and  spirit,)  that  ye  will  never  more  get  out,  except 
ye  repent  with  speed,  and  turn  your  minds  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus 
in  your  consciences,  and  obey  his  commands,  and  abide  in  his  doctrine, 
who  saith,  "  swear  not  at  all." 

And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  unto  all  you  rulers, 
priests,  and  people  whatsoever,  who  swear,  and  plead  for  swearing  and 
oaths,  and  persecute  the  harmless  about  it,  ye  are  none  of  Christ's  sheep, 
servants,  friends,  or  children ;  but  of  the  lineage  of  Cain  and  the  old 
hypocrites,  in  their  way,  to  whom  the  wo  belongs,  who  denied  Christ, 
and  chose  a  murderer,  and  so  ye  are  no  christians. 

But  Christ  Jesus  is  come,  and  is  setting  up  his  government,  kingdom, 

•  Matt.  v. 

34 


266 


and  dominion  over  all  your  kingdoms,  and  establishing  his  throne  upon 

the  top  of  all  your  thrones,  whose  sceptre  is  a  sceptre  of  righteousness, 
which  must  rule  over  all  unrighteous  sceptres.  And  to  his  name,  which 
is  above  every  name,  shall  all  your  knees  bow. 

"  If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law,  according  to  the  scripture,  tlioushalt  love 
thy  neighbour  as  thyself,  ye  do  well,"  &c. 

"For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  ofTend  in  one  pointy 
he  is  guilty  of  all."  James  ii.  8,  &c. 

YV.B. 

*ft  few  words  more  to  the  rulers,  priests,  teachers,  and  people,  of  what 
sort  soever,  in  this  nation  of  England,  from  the  highest  to  the 
lowest,  who  have  any  hand  in  persecuting  the  innocent,  §c. 

Hear  and  understand,  all  ye  rulers,  priests,  and  teachers  of  England, 
with  all  your  officers  and  servants,  or  whomsoever  else,  superior  or  in- 
ferior, from  the  judge  to  the  jailer,  or  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest, 
who  have  any  hand,  or  are  in  any  measure  partakers  against  the  inno- 
cent people  and  servants  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  cannot  break 
his  commands  by  swearing. 

This  we  would  give  you  to  understand,  that  as  for  us,  who  fear  and 
obey  the  Lord,  your  prisons  and  cruel,  unjust  dealings,  and  your  long 
furrows  ye  plough  upon  our  backs  therein,  is  very  little  to  us,  except  to 
the  more  raising  and  strengthening  of  that  life  in  us  which  will  never 
bow  to  your  wills,  or  any  will  of  man,  by  transgressing  the  commands 
of  Christ  Jesus.  For  our  eyes  are  not  at  what  ye  can,  or  will,  or  have 
power  permitted  you  to  do,  or  at  the  length  of  time  in  which  we  suffer 
bonds  under  your  ambitious  wills,  or  at  any  other  temporal  thing  what- 
soever; but  to  the  Lord  our  God  alone,  who  is  pleading  and  will  plead 
our  innocent  cause  for  us  in  all  your  consciences  Yea,  if  ye  should  shut 
us  up  in  dungeons  never  so  close  from  you,  out  of  your  sight  or  hearing, 
yet  God's  witness,  (as  a  drawn  sword  in  your  bowels,)  which  seeth  in 
secret,  shall  pierce  through  your  heart  and  life,  and  smite  you  in  your 
very  vital  parts  for  all  your  wickedness  against  him,  his  way  of  truth, 
and  harmless  people;  and  set  in  order  before  you  all  your  ungodly  deeds 
and  blasphemous,  hard  speeches,  which  ye  have  committed  and  spoken: 
for  the  eye  of  the  pure  God  beholds,  and  his  ear  of  jealousy  hears  you 
in  your  most  secret  chambers,  from  whose  presence  ye  cannot  always 
flee,  nor  hide  your  counsels,  though  you  should  dig  as  deep  as  hell,  or 
flee  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth.    And  though  you  should  keep 


201 


us  till  death  in  your  prisons,  we  cannot  break  the  commands  of  our  Lord 
and  saviour,  which  hath  saved  us,  and  will  yet  save  and  deliver  us. 

But  as  for  you,  who  profess  yourselves  christians,  consider  these  things, 
whether  he,  whom  you  profess  in  words,  will  not  call  you  to  an  account 
for  breaking  his  commands,  and  for  casting  his  servants  and  children 
into  prisons,  and  keeping  them  there  for  no  other  cause  but  for  keeping 
the  commands,  and  abiding  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  whom  yourselves 
profess  in  words  and  show,  as  the  Pharisees  did  Moses  and  the  prophets, 
but  opposed  their  life,  and  crucified  Christ  Jesus,  the  end  and  sub- 
stance of  Moses  and  the  prophets'  words.  Ye  hypocrites!  what  covering 
or  excuse  can  ye  have,  to  hide  or  shelter  yourselves  under,  in  the  day 
of  the  Lord,  which  hastens  upon  you? 

It  is  not  your  acts  and  decrees  made  in  the  will  of  man,  that  shall 
stand  you  in  stead,  or  save  you,  when  the  sentence  is  given  against  you, 
"Co,  ye  workers  of  iniquity,  into  everlasting  torment."  Nay,  they  shall 
not  be  able  to  save  themselves  from  the  just  judgment  of  our  God,  but 
shall  receive  a  just  recompense  for  all  their  doings. 

And  as  for  us,  we  choose  rather  to  die,  than  transgress  against  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  or  wrong  our  conscience  in  any  measure,  by  bowing 
to  the  corrupt  wills  of  proud  and  ambitious  men,  who  are  alienated  from 
God,  and  would  alienate  us  from  him  also,  did  we  obey  your  requiring! 
or  impositions  in  these  unjust  and  unrighteous  things.  But  we  desire  to 
live  always  in  obedience  and  humility  before  him;  though  our  outward 
man  perish  through  your  unjust  and  cruel  dealings,  our  souls  you  cannot 
touch  to  defile  them,  neither  can  you  break  our  peace  with  our  God,  by 
all  ye  can  do.  For  we  know  the  utmost  of  your  power  and  ability.  The 
last  enemy  is  death:  and  through  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God,  we  do 
enjoy  that  life  and  peace  in  which  we  daily  triumph  over  death  and 
hell,  and  the  gates  of  it;  praises  and  thanks  to  his  holy  name  for  ever 
and  ever.  Being  founded  on  the  immoveable  rock  of  our  salvation,  Christ 
Jesus,  in  whose  will,  life,  and  strength,  we  are  resolved  in  patience,  for 
his  truth  and  name's  sake,  to  undergo  the  greatest  punishments,  afflic- 
tions or  death,  that  you,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  can  or  shall  be 
able  or  suffered  to  inflict  upon  us.  So  we  have  fully  weighed  and  con- 
sidered the  cost  to  the  utmost  mite. 

But  as  for  you,  this  I  tell  you  all,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  who 
have  the  least  hand  in  our  sufferings,  either  in  particular  or  in 
general,  who  in  scorn  are  called  Quakers,  you  are  splitting  and  dashing, 
breaking  and  scattering,  confounding  and  destroying  your  own  selves  in 
these  things;  and  if  no  other  hand  be  lifted  up  against  you,  by  this  shall 
ye  fall.  And  this  is  God's  word  of  truth  unto  you,  which  shall  stand,  and 
be  fulfilled.  So,  his  blessed  will  be  done,  and  in  it  we  are  well  satisfied, 
knowing  and  believing,  that  the  Lord  whom  \  e  serve  and  obey,  knoweth 


268 


how  to  deliver  them  that  trust  only  in  him,  and  to  reserve  the  ungodly 
to  the  day  of  judgment,  to  be  punished. 

William  Bayly. 

From  my  prison  at  Hartford,  the  10th  month,  1663, 
where  J  remain  a  close  prisoner  because  I  cannot 
swear,  and  break  the  command  of  Christ  Jesus. 

"  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  make  Jerusalem  a  burdensome  stone  to 
all  people,  and  they  that  burden  themselves  with  her  shall  be  dashed 
in  pieces." 


Pure  encouragements  from  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  as  a  joyful  salu- 
tation, with  full  assurance  of  victory,  unto  the  nolle  army  of  the 
Lamb,  against  ivhom  the  gates  of  hell  and  death  shall  never  pre- 
vail.  Through  a  vessel  prepared  to  do  his  will,  whithersoever  it 
leadeth  it,  William  Bayly. 


My  dear  friends,  brethren,  and  sisters,  who  are  the  called  and  chosen 
of  God,  out  of  the  world,  out  of  the  nature,  spirit,  vanities,  and  ways  of 
it,  to  follow  the  lamb  in  the  regeneration,  through  the  daily  cross,  the 
strait  gate  and  narrow  way,  which  leads  to  life :  ye  whose  hearts  breathe 
and  pant  for  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  glorious  liberty  which  was  with 
the  Father  before  the  world  began,  and  are  travelling  with  your  faces 
towards  the  holy  hill  of  Sion,  and  can't  be  satisfied  with  all  the  treasures 
and  glory  of  this  present  evil  world,  nor  in  any  thing  or  creature,  but 
only  in  the  pure,  eternal,  refreshing  presence  of  your  God,  in  which  are 
rivers  of  pleasure,  and  jHy  forevermore.  You  who  have  cried  to  the 
Lord  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  "  to  go  forth  to  sacrifice  unto  him  in  the 
wilderness,"  sensibly  feeling,  that  while  the  precious  seed  of  his  cove- 
nant lay  in  death  and  the  grave,  it  could  not  praise  him;  who  have  per- 
fectly known,  that  except  the  dead  rise,  all  hearing,  faith,  and  preaching 
to  you  were  in  vain ;  who  were  still  in  your  sins,  and  weighed  down  with 
corruptions,  and  overcome  with  divers  temptations  in  that  state.  But 
now  hath  the  Lord  your  God  heard  your  cries  and  your  groanings,  and 
revealed  his  arm  of  salvation,  and  brought  you  forth  to  the  light,  and 
hath  said  to  the  prisoner  of  hope,  show  thyself,  and  hath  raised  the 
beggar  from  the  dunghill,  and  answered  the  tender  cries  of  his  innocent 
babe,  which  could  not  live  nor  be  satisfied  without  the  sincere  milk  of 
the  eternal  word  of  life.  And  ye  have  grown  up  from  strength  to  strength, 
and  have  great  experience  of  the  loving-kindness  of  your  God,  (and  of  his 
many  deliverances  in  the  times  of  need,  and  of  his  wonders  upon  the 
land  of  Egypt,)  which  you  have  known  to  be  as  a  cloud  by  day,  and  as 
a  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  and  hath  led  you  in  a  way  you  knew  not,  and 
in  paths  which  you  had  not  gone,  and  hath  made  himself  known  amongst 
you  by  his  name  Jehovah,  in  which  is  everlasting  strength. 

And  now,  O  ye  children  of  the  true  Israel  of  the  God  of  Jacob!  is  it 
your  lot  again  to  be  driven  by  Pharaoh  and  his  huge  host,  to  the  borders 
of  the  red  sea  ?  Are  the  mountains  on  each  side,  and  the  Egyptians 
behind  you,  pursuing  with  horsemen  and  chariots,  to  destroy  you  from 
being  a  people,  and  to  root  out  the  remembrance  of  your  name,  and 


270 


the  name  of  your  God,  from  under  heaven?  Why,  this  I  proclaim  unto 
you  all,  in  the  name  of  my  God  and  your  God,  "  Stand  still,  stand  still, 
and  you  shall  see  his  mighty  salvation ;  for,  with  a  mighty  hand  and 
out-stretched  arm  will  he  deliver  his  chosen."    Wherefore,  take  no 
thought  for  your  life,  but  freely  give  up  all  into  his  hand,  and  cast  all 
your  care  upon  him;  for  not  one  hair  of  your  head  shall  perish,  beyond 
the  permission  of  your  heavenly  Father;  for  ye  are  of  more  value  unto 
him  than  many  birds  of  the  air,  which  cannot  light  on  the  earth  with- 
out his  providence.    And  be  not  afraid  of  any  amazement,  O  ye  dear, 
travailing  children!  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  your  helper,  who  is  in  the  midst 
of  you,  and  his  servant  David  a  prince  among  you.  Therefore,  fear  not 
the  armies  of  the  aliens,  Gog  nor  Magog,  with  Gomer  and  his  bands.  The 
eternal  God  shall  break  and  dash  them  in  pieces  like  a  potter's  vessel. 
He  shall  make  them  hear  a  noise  in  the  midst  of  their  camp,  and  their 
hearts  shall  tremble,  the  wind  of  a  shaken  leaf  shall  chase  them.  For 
the  Lord  is  on  our  side,  and  he  will  plead  the  cause  of  his  seed  with  all 
flesh.    Only  obey  you  his  voice,  and  he  will  soon  subdue  your  enemies, 
and  your  peace  shall  be  as  a  river,  and  your  rest  shall  be  glorious.  Oh  ! 
sink  down,  sink  down,  out  of  all  thoughts,  contrivings,  or  premeditations; 
and  feel  it,  feel  it,  ye  crying,  travailing  childnti,  who  have  no  helper  in 
the  earth,  but  the  Lord  your  God  alone,  in  whom  is  your  everlasting 
strength.    O  ye  babes  of  uprightness,  ye  sons  and  daughters  of  Sion, 
comparable  to  fine  gold,  my  soul  is  poured  forth  like  water  before  my 
God  for  you,  that  ye  might  be  preserved,  and  give  up  all  to  him  as 
freely  as  he  doth  require  it,  in  this  day  of  trial  and  hour  of  temptation  ; 
that  not  an  ox  or  sheep  may  be  left  behind,  to  hinder  you  from  enjoving 
the  kingdom,  with  any  pretence  whatsoever,  remembering  that  obedi- 
ence is  more  than  sacrifice ;  for  the  Lord  loveth  a  cheerful  giver,  whose 
love  ye  will  feel  to  be  stronger  than  death,  which  the  many  waters  can- 
not quench,  neither  can  the  floods  drown  it.    Have  not  many  of  you 
this  experience,  as  ye  have  faithfully  followed  the  lamb  through  your 
greatest  tribulations  1  And  have  ye  not  felt  a  washing  your  robes  white 
in  his  precious  blood,  the  life  ?    And  have  ye  not  learned  a  new  song, 
which  he  hath  put  in  your  mouths,  after  manifold  deliverances  and 
victories,  which  he  hath  wrought  for  you,  even  in  the  sight  of  the  hea- 
then? 

Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  Lift  up,  lift  up  your  heads,  ye  valiants  of 
i  Israel!  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  you,  whose  arm  is  not  shortened. 
The  lamb  is  upon  Mount  Sion,  with  his  hundred,  forty  and  four  thou- 
sands, gathering  his  numberless  number  from  the  four  winds.  Cast  off 
all  mortal  thoughts,  and  the  cares  of  this  world.  Let  not  the  earth 
weigh  you  down.  Stand,  stand  upon  the  watch  tower;  put  on  the 
whole  armour  of  God;  give  no  place  to  the  devil;  quench  all  the  fiery 


271 


darts  of  the  wicked  within ;  then  will  ye  not  fear  what  man,  or  the  sons 
of  men,  can  do  unto  you.    The  God  of  Jacob  is  your  refuge,  who  will 
break  the  bow  of  the  ungodly,  and  snap  their  spears  asunder,  and  burn 
their  chariots  in  the  fire,  and  make  desolations  in  the  earth.'  He  is  ful- 
filling his  promises  of  old,  made  to  his  chosen,  who  will  give  nations  for 
them,  and  people  for  their  life.    I  say,  ye  worthies  of  the  Lord,  stand 
faithful,  and  be  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the  earth.    For  it  is  against 
it  they  are  fighting  within  and  without,  that  it  might  fall  in  the  streets, 
and  be  extinguished  from  the  earth,  and  that  equity  and  righteousness 
may  not  enter  the  nations,  who  have  said  in  their  hearts,  "Come,  let  us 
kill  the  heir,  and  the  inheritance  will  be  ours/'    But  in  vain  do  the 
heathen  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  such  foolish  things.    For  their 
hope  shall  perish,  and  their  purposes  be  made  void ;  they  shall  never 
bring  to  pass  the  thoughts  of  their  hearts,  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it ;  for 
the  seed  of  evil-doers  shall  never  be  renowned.    Wherefore,  if  ye 
hear  of  wars,  or  rumours,  or  commotions,  or  pestilences,  or  famines,  or 
the  rushing  of  the  ungodly,  like  the  noise  of  the  raging  sea  whiph  can- 
not rest,  let  not  your  heart  be  troubled.  The  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
who  is  above  all,  will. rebuke  the  devourer  for  your  sakes;  for  your  re- 
demption draweth  nigh,  when  ye  see  these  things  come  to  pass. 

And  this  is  the  word  of  the  eternal  God  unto  all  people  upon  the 
earth:  the  redemption  of  his  seed  draweth  nigh,  and  hasteneth  to  be 
delivered,  as  a  woman  in  travail. 

Therefore,  ye  babes  of  God,  ye  soldiers  of  the  lamb,  put  on  zeal  as 
a  garment,  and  righteousness  as  a  breast-plate,  and  be  clothed  with  hu- 
mility, and  dwell  in  the  dread  and  majesty  of  the  Almighty,  and  let 
your  hearts  be  fixed,  without  wavering ;  look  not  back,  remember  Lot's 
wife ;  for  these  are  the  days  of  vengeance,  of  tribulations,  and  distress 
of  nations,  with  great  perplexity,  men's  hearts  failing  them  for  fear, 
looking  at  the  things  that  are  coming  upon  the  earth.  Now  shall  they 
see  the  son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  with  power  and 
great  glory.  Now  shall  the  earthly  tribes  mourn  and  wail  because  of 
him  whom  they  have  pierced.  But  rejoice,  yea,  sing  and  rejoice,  ye 
children  of  the  bride-chamber,  who  are  redeemed  from  the  earth,  and 
yet  watch  and  pray  continually ;  for  the  Lord  will  make  your  terror 
(which  is  already  begun)  to  fall  upon  all  flesh,  as  ye  faithful  to  him 
abide;  and  the  fear  of  you,  and  the  dread  of  you,  O  ye  retired,  meek, 
circumspect  babes,  shall  be  upon  every  beast  of  the  field;  and  men  in 
honour,  not  understanding  the  decree  and  counsel  of  our  God,  are  like 
the  beasts  that  perish.  And  perishing  and  withering  shall  be  upon  every 
hand  that  is  stretched  forth  against  his  way  and  work  in  the  earth. 
Thou-h  they  arise  as  the  locusts,  to  compass  the  breadth  thereof,  the 


-zrz 


Lord  of  heaven  shall  blast  them,  and  they  shall  become  as  dung  upon 
the  open  field.  b  v 

Wherefore  be  ye  not  at  all  discouraged,  neither  be  afraid  of  their 
faces,  but  gird  on  strength,  and  go  on  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.    Is  the 
I  hilistines'  champion  come  forth  to  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God? 
Doth  he  present  himself  forty  days,  vaunting  against  his  true  Israel? 
Doth  he  threaten  to  give  your  flesh  to  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  to  the 
beasts  of  the  field-to  sell  you  for  bond-men  and  bond-women?  Do  the 
hearts  of  any  among  your  tribes  begin  to  faint  at  the  hearing  of  his 
voice  ?    Doth  the  height  of  his  stature  make  you  afraid?    Why  let  no 
man's  heart  fail  because  of  him;  for  behold,  I  see  little  David  your 
prince  with  the  sling  in  his  hand,  and  the  smooth  stone  in  the  shep- 
herd s  bag ,  in  the  midst  of  you,  running  to  meet  him  in  the  name  and 
power  of  the  Lord  God  of  the  armies  of  Israel,  whom  he  hath  defied  ■ 
who  will  smite  the  uncircumcised  in  heart  and  ears,  by  the  dread  of  his 
presence,  which  shall  arise  in  the  hearts  of  his  chosen,  in  the  day  of 
battle;.for  he  hath  already  delivered  from  the  mouth  of  the  lion,  and 
from  the  paw  of  the  bear;  and  he  will  also  deliver  ns  from  this  uncir- 
cumcised Philistine,  who  shall  be  made  like  one.  of  them.  Therefore 
foar  not,  ye  sons  of  Jacob,  but  be  very  courageous ;  be  not  at  all  dismayed 
at  his  lngh  looks,  nor  daunted  at  his  challenge ;  but  let  us  go  on  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  our  God ;  let  us  keep  open  Daniel's  element  toward, 
Jerusalem,  as  at  other  times;  let  us  not  regard  any  thing  or  decree 
contrary  to  the  worship  of  our  God. 

Come,  ye  babes  lift  up  your  heads  in  the  pure  strength  of  the  Most 
High;  for  [  feci  Moses,  Joshua,  Daniel,  and  David  amongst  you,  and 
the  spirits  of  all  just  men,  from  Abel  to  this  day,  are  stirring  up  to  help 
you;  (blessed  is  the  eye  that  perfectly  seeth  these  tilings ;)  yea,  the  Lord 
of  Iiosts  himself  shall  fight  for  you,  and  give  you  the  victory;  for  the 
battle  is  the  Lord's.  It  is  against  him  and  his  truth,  which  must  be  spread 
over  all  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea,  that  the  potsherds  have 
set  themselves;  who  can  dash  and  consume  them  in  a  moment,  and  will 
when  then-  work  is  done  and  their  time  expired.    Wherefo*re  I  say  again 
m  the  name  and  dreadful  authority  of  my  God,  Fear  them  not,  the  day 
is  yours.    I  see  them  all  scattered  as  dust  before  the  wind,  that  rise  up 
against  you  who  have  no  helper  in  the  earth  but  from  the  Lord  alone 
*e  called,  chosen,  and  faithful  ones,  ye  dear  lambs  of  my  Father,  gird 
on  strength  and  valour.    My  soul  rejoiceth  in  God,  and  my  spirit  doth 
magnify  him  who  is  the  saviour  of  Israel,  and  my  heart  doth  leap  for 
joy,  to  see  and  feel  your  faithfulness  unto  death,  and  what  this  day  will 
»  ing  forth  to  his  eternal  glory,  and  renown  of  his  name,  and  the  ever- 
lading  comfort  of  you  his  people.    The  Lord  will  determine  the  con- 
nover^y,  and  make  a  shojrt  work  in  the  earth.    Wow  shall  yc  be  as  a 


273 


city  set  on  a  hill,  that  shall  shine  throughout  the  world.  Now  shall  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  your  God  be  revealed  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  in  be- 
half of  his  precious  seed,  which  hath  long  suffered  in  hard  bondage, 
and  sore  captivity. 

And  now,  many  are  the  eyes  that  arc  fixed  upon  you,  to  see  what 
will  become  of  you  in  this  day  of  trial,  who  will  have  cause  to  glorify 
and  bless  the  name  of  your  God,  through  your  faithfulness,  courage, 
and  boldness  in  the  truth,  whereby  many  shall  be  drawn  towards  you, 
who  will  take  hold  of  your  skirts,  and  acknowledge,  that  the  Lord  of 
heaven  is  with  you.  And  a  multitude  shall  be  converted  to  him,  and 
the  desert  shall  be  glad  for  him,  and  the  wilderness  shall  rejoice  because 
of  him,  who  is  come  to  reign  in  Mount  Sion,  before  his  ancients,  glori- 
ously. Wherefore,  ye  dear  children,  let  this  be  your  care  and  diligence, 
to  walk  circumspectly  towards  them  that  are  yet  without,  by  keeping 
clear,  walking  with  God  in  the  pure,  still,  retired  life,  in  the  inward 
parts,  in  which  ye  may  sec  and  judge  every  motion,  and  feel  power  to 
subdue  and  reign  over  all  that  is  contrary. 

So,  dear  babes  of  God,  dwell  very  still,  cool,  and  calm  in  your  minds, 
that  ye  may  be  preserved  out  of  the  forward,  hasty  spirit,  which  hath 
always  betrayed  the  innocent,  and  be  kept  back  to  the  everlasting 
foundation,  and  rock  of  the  generation  of  the  righteous,  whose  dwelling- 
place  and  refuge  is  the  name  of  the  Lord  in  all  ages,  who  hid  them  in 
the  hollow  of  his  hand,  and  under  the  shadow  of  his  wings,  in  the  day 
of  storms  and  raging  tempests  of  the  wicked.  So,  cast  all  your  care 
upon  him;  for  he  careth  for  you,  and  his  eye  beholds  you,  which  seeth 
in  secret,  who  is  bringing  his  seed  through  the  fire  and  through  the 
water,  that  all  his  people  might  be  as  fine  gold  seven  times  tried.  And 
as  for  the  wicked,  your  enemies  and  oppressors,  look  not  at  all  at  them, 
or  their  power.  Their  strength  is  a  reed  of  Egypt,  their  time  and 
power  are  limited.  But  still  look  to  the  Lord,  in  whom  is  your  help;  in 
whose  name,  and  pure  dominion,  and  everlasting  authority,  I  give  forth 
this  testimony  unto  you  his  geople  and  children,  that  the  day  is  at  hand 
which  shall  burn  as  an  oven,  and  all  the  proud,  and  all  that  do  wick- 
edly, shall  be  as  stubble,  and  the  day  that  Cometh  shall  burn  them  up, 
and  shall  leave  them  neither  root  nor  branch.  Yea,  the  very  root  of 
the  wicked,  as  well  as  the  branch,  will  the  Lord  our  God  consuHae  .and 
destroy  by  i  Ik-  brightness  of  his  arising.  Oh!  happy  day,  blessed  for  ever! 
Sing  and  rejoice,  ye  holy  prophets  and  saints  of  I  he  Most  High;  for  the 
day  of  our  redemption  approacheth,  when  our  burdens,  oppressions, 
labour,  and  travails  shall  cease.  Leap  for  joy,  ye  babes  in  the  womb 
of  the  morning  of  this  blessed  day,  at  the  sound  of  this  salvation ;  for  it  is 
from  your  Father,  the  everlasting  God,  that  liveih  fo)  ever,  who  hath 


274 


said  it,  and  will  accomplish  it ;  yea,  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  will 
perform  this. 

O  ye  dear  children,  I  say  again,  lift  up  your  heads,  watch  and  ho 
sober;  behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh;  be  ready,  ye  wise  virgins,  with 
your  lamps  always  trimmed,  and  your  vessels  full  of  oil,  that  ye  may 
behold  his  glorious  arisings,  and  see  his  wonders  in  the  deep.  For  verily 
the  day  of  our  God  is  come  as  a  thief  in  the  night  upon  all  the  world 
of  ungodly,  who  will  not  believe  if  one  should  rise  from  the  dead  and 
declare  it  unto  them;  whose  eyes  the  God  of  the  world  hath  blinded, 
that  they  cannot  perceive  the  signs  of  the  times,  of  which  many  are 
past  already,  and  the  last  sign  is  approaching,  viz:  "And  the  gospel  of 
the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then 
shall  the  end  come."    And  this  am  I  to  proclaim  unto  you,  his  people  ; 
and  to  the  world  let  it  be  a  warning.    And  this  is  the  Lord  bringing  to 
pass  in  a  way  unknown  to  the  ungodly,  and  unexpected  to  the  wicked, 
who  are  and  will  be  doing  wickedly,  till  it  overtakes  them  as  a  flood. 
And  none  of  the  wicked  shall  understand ;  but  the  wise  shall  under- 
stand, and  the  righteous  shall  be  glad,  and  rejoice  in  the  God  of  their 
salvation. 

So,  these  things  arose  in  my  heart  by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  to  give 
forth  unto  you  his  chosen,  that  it  might  be  as  an  instrument  of  encour- 
agement to  your  precious  faith  and  patience,  against  all  opposition  with- 
in and  without,  in  this  day  of  trial  and  hour  of  temptation.    For  my 
soul  is  greatly  refreshed,  as  with  new  wine,  in  the  sense  of  what  our 
God  is  hastening  to  bring  forth,  and  of  the  portion  of  my  cup  I  have 
freely  let  forth  unto  you  his  children,  dearly  saluting  you  with  tender 
bowels,  and  pure  breathings  and  desires  unto  my  God  for  you  all,  that 
we  might  all  be  kept  staid,  chaste,  single,  innocent,  and  valiant,  in  the 
strength  of  the  enjoyment  of  his  love,  to  serve  and  honour  him  in  this 
our  day  and  generation,  even  while  we  have  a  being.    To  whom  my 
soul  ascribeth  all  glory  and  thanks,  in  the  living  sense  of  his  unspeakable 
mercies.    Amen.    The  God  of  love  and  peace  be  with  your  spirit. 
Amen. 

From  my  prison  at  Hartford,  the  20th  of  the  4th  month,  1664. 

T  am  your  brother  and  companion  in  the  tribulations,  kingdom,  and 
patience  of  the  lamb. 


William  Bayly. 


The  great  and  dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  is 
hastening  as  a  flood  upon  the  whole  world  of  the  ungodly,  once 
more  proclaimed;  that  all  people  may  again  be  warned  to  repent 
with  speed,  and  so  be  left  without  excuse. 


O  the  great,  terrible,  and  dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty, 
that  is  at  hand !  a  day  of  anguish,  distress,  and  great  perplexity,  a  day 
of  sore  trouble  and  vexation  unto  the  wicked,  a  day  of  darkness  and 
gloeminess,  a  day  of  terrors  and  alarm  of  war,  destruction  upon  destruc- 
tion, even  such  a  day  as  was  never  before  it,  nor  shall  ever  be  like  it 
for.  evermore.    A  day  of  fears  and  amazements,  howlings  and  dreadful 
astonishments.  Wo  is  me,  wo  is  me  for  you  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 
Alas,  alas!  the  day  is  great,  and  very  terrible,  which  is  approaching! 
Who  shall  be  able  to  abide  it?    O  my  soul,  be  thou  quiet,  and  exceed- 
ing still  and  low  in  the  dread  and  power  of  the  Almighty,  and  very 
watchful  in  the  inward  retired  place  of  the  Most  High  forever,  that 
thou  mayst  be  preserved:  for  the  day  is  exceeding  great,  and  very 
terrible,  that  hastens  as  a  woman  in  travail.    A  day  of  shaking  of  all 
things  that  are  since  the  foundation  of  the  world,  and  of  quaking  and 
trembling  through  the  whole  earth ;  a  day  of  vengeance  and  indigna- 
tion, of  fierce  wrath  and  dreadful  judgments  upon  the  ungodly.  Wo, 
wo,  wo  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  and  of  the  sea,  the  devil  is  come 
down  among  you  in  great  rage  and  fury,  knowing  he  hath  but  a  short 
time.    Repent,  repent,  repent,  and  fear,  dread,  and  tremble  before  the 
Lord  God  Almighty,  and  turn  ye  every  one  from  his  evil  ways,  for  lhe 
will  dash  the  ungodly  in  pieces  like  a  potter's  vessel  against  the  rocks. 
Howl,  howl,  howl,  all  you  that  live  in  pleasures,  vanities,  and  fading  de- 
lights of  this  world !  the  day  of  your  fears,  distress,  and  anguish  shall 
overtake  you.    All  you  profane  Esaus,  who  have  sold  your  birth-right 
for  a  mess  of  pottage,  your  day  of  crying  with  tears,  to  seek  a  place  to 
repent  with  carefulness,  is  at  hand ;  but  }^ou  who  have  lost  the  blessing 
will  be  rejected.    And  all  you  wild  Ishmaelites,  mockers,  and  scoffers, 
ye  will  be  cast  out  into  utter  darkness,  where  are  wailing  and  gnashing 
of  teeth  for  evermore.    And  all  you  oppressors  and  persecutors  about 
religion,  Cain's  generation,  your  punishments  will  be  greater  than  you 
can  bear.    Ye  are  the  vagabonds  from  God,  and  fugitives  in  the  earth. 
And  all  you  Nimrods,  mighty  hunters  before  the  Lord,  your  kingdom  is 
of  Babel,  the  great  whore;  ye  must  partake  of  her  plagues.  Howl, 
howl,  and  lament  bitterly  all  ye  idle  shepherds,  greedy,  devouring 


276 


wolves,  and  all  you  dumb  dogs,  who  have  made  a  prey  upon  the  sheep, 
tearing  their  fleece  and  flesh  from  off  their  bones;  your  day  is  at  hand, 
of  such  judgments,  plagues,  and  vengeance,  as  have  not  been  known  in 
ages.  For  the  terrible  and  dreadful  God  is  come  to  reign  in  Mount 
Sion,  and  in  Jerusalem,  and  before  his  ancients  gloriously;  and  he  will 
tread  and  trample  you  in  his  fury,  as  one  that  treadeth  upon  mortar. 
Your  vine  is  the  vine  of  Sodom,  your  grapes  are  grapes  of  abominations. 
You  must  be  cast  into  the  wine-press  of  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty  God, 
there  to  be  tormented  day  and  night  forever  and  ever,  except  ye  speedily 
repent.    The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Howl  and  be  astonished,  and  tremble  all  ye  councils  and  confederacies 
of  ungodly  men,  who  lie  upon  your  beds  of  mischief,  and  sit  in  the  nest 
of  wickedness.  You  hatch  cockatrice  eggs;  and  he  that  eatethof  your 
eggs  dieth ;  and  that  which  is  crushed,  breaks  forth  into  a  viper.  Wo 
to  the  crown  of  pride,  and  to  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim,  who  feed  upon 
the  head  of  the  fat  valley  !  And  wo  to  you  who  decree  unrighteous 
decrees,  and  write  grievous  things,  which  you  have  prescribed ;  for  you 
have  cast  the  fear,  law,  and  counsel,  wisdom,  mercy,  and  true  judgment 
of  the  righteous  God  behind  your  backs.  Therefore,  fear,  bow,  and 
tremble,  all  ye  who  are  as  fed  horses,  and  fatted  beasts  for  the  slaughter 
of  his  fierce  indignation :  for  his  terrible  stroke  will  come  upon  you, 
and  consume  you  off  the  earth,  and  ye  shall  not  escape  it. 

And  all  you  proud,  scornful,  deceitful,  wanton  ones,  and  abominable 
men  and  women,  who  are  exalted  above  God's  witness  in  you,  making 
merry  over  it,  weep  and  howl,  for  your  miseries  are  coming  upon  you; 
your  riches  shall  not  save  you,  your  deceit  and  policy,  with  all  your  out- 
side profession,  shall  not  hide  or  cover  you  from  the  fierce  wrath  of  the 
Almighty. 

Awake,  awake,  O  all  ye  hypocrites,  double  minded,  and  time  servers, 
who  have  the  changeable  suits  of  apparel,  and  wear  the  round  tires  like 
the  moon,  and  use  the  crisping  pins;  if  you  have  ears,  hear.  You 
have  changeable  suits,  and  round  tires  like  the  moon;  this  is  your  state, 
who  know  not  the  woman  clothed  with  the  sun,  with  the  moon  under 
her  feet.  Your  well  set  hair  is  become  baldness,  and  instead  of  a  girdle 
there  is  a  rent,  and  burning  instead  of  beauty.  Therefore,  dread  and 
tremble  before  the  Lord  God,  and  repent  speedily,  while  you  have  yet 
a  day  to  breathe ;  for  ye  are  the  unstable  people,  double  minded,  ye 
will  be  driven  and  shaken  as  with  an  east  wind  by  the  breath  of  the 
Almighty.  Ye  are  the  waters  on  which  the  whore  and  beast,  at  this 
day  sit.  Ye  bow  down,  ye  worship  the  beast  and  his  image,  ye  receive 
his  mark  in  the  hand  and  in  the  forehead.  Ye  are  of  those  bond  slaves 
of  Babylon,  the  fear  of  man  hath  ensnared  you.  Ye  are  the  fearful  and 
unbelieving, who  will  be  shut  out  among  the  dogs,  persecutors,  and  whore- 


277 


mongers,  idolaters,  abominable,  and  liars,  forever,  except  you  speedily 
repent. 

Awake,  howl,  howl  and  tremble, all  ye  drunkards,  sporters,  players,  fid- 
dlers, and  ye  that  tolerate  them,  the  zeal  of  the  pure  righteous  God  burns 
like  fire  against  you  all,  which  will  consume  you,  ye  corrupters  of  the 
earth,  ye  ministers  of  the  devil,  who  beget  and  raise  up  lightness,  wanton- 
ness, and  vanity  in  the  minds  of  people,  whereby  the  Lord  and  his  fear  is 
forgotten,  and  his  holy  spirit  grieved,  and  his  name  dishonoured,  and  the 
righteous  souls  of  sober  people  vexed  from  day  to  day,  which  cry 
mightily  against  you,  and  the  Lord  will  hear  them,  and  answer  the  cries 
of  his  chosen  seed  for  his  own  name's  sake. 

And  all  you  cheaters,  whores,  and  whoremongers,  idolaters,  unclean 
and  ungodly  ones,  you  shall  be  judged,  condemned,  plagued,  and  tor- 
mented by  that  you  daily  strive  against  and  make  merry  over.  Come 
down,  all  ye  exalted,  stiff-necked  and  rebellious  ones,  who  are  out  of 
God's  fear ;  his  vengeance,  as  a  besom  of  destruction,  will  sweep  you  all 
down  into  endless  misery  ;  your  songs  shall  be  turned  into  howlings,  and 
your  vain  false  joy  into  heaviness,  the  days  of  your  pleasures  shall  be 
short.  You  who  are  adding  sin  to  sin,  and  drinking  down  iniquity  like 
water,  you  are  drawing  down  fury  upon  your  own  heads  as  with  a  cart 
rope,  you  are  filling  up  your  measures  of  abominations,  you  are  hast- 
ening as  a  bird  to  the  snare,  and  as  an  ox  to  the  slaughter,  and  a  fool 
to  the  correction  of  the  stocks,,  and  know  not  that  it  is  for  your  life,  and 
that  your  paths  lead  to  the  dark  chambers  of  death  and  eternal  destruc- 
tion, and  your  steps  take  hold  of  hell.  Behold  God's  indignation  is  against 
you,  and  he  will  be  avenged  on  you  for  his  righteous  seed's  sake,  which 
in  you  is  daily  grieved  and  vexed,  even  as  Lot  in  Sodom. 

Therefore  awake,  all  ye  drunkards  of  all  sorts,  rioters,  cursers,  swearers, 
blasphemers,  hypocrites,  persecutors,  scoffers,  mockers,  ragers,  and  all 
ye  ungodly  ones  every  where,  and  dread  the  living  God;  for  he  will  fill 
your  bowels  with  perpetual  sorrow,  vexation,  wo,  and  everlasting  burn- 
ings, if  ye  proceed  in  these  abominations,  which  the  soul  of  the  righteous 
God  abhors.  Stand  still,  stand  still,  be  still  all  ye  heathens,  and  mind 
God's  witness  in  your  consciences,  which  sometimes  like  a  bridle  in  your 
jaws  checks  you:  ye  who  are  like  mad  horses,  raging,  rushing,  ranting, 
and  vaunting  in  all  manner  of  ungodliness,  wallowing  in  the  height  and 
depth  of  wickedness,  as  if  you  had  not  room  enough  to  vent  the  strength 
and  substance  of  the  devil's  power  in  you;  remember  that  hell  hath 
enlarged  her  mouth,  and  Tophet  is  prepared  of  old,  and  ye  will  descend 
into  it,  with  the  devil  and  his  angels,  except  you  speedily  repent.  The 
mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

So  consider  your  latter  end,  and  the  last  day  of  your  visitation;  for 
the  righteous  God  beholds  you,  and  sees  all  your  doings  though  never  so 


278 


secret,  and  hears  all  your  blasphemies,  oaths,  and  cursed  speeches ;  ye 
wilful,  headstrong,  and  stiff-necked  ones,  who  have  despised  reproof,  and 
abhorred  good  counsel:  but  now  behold  the  Lord  is  coming  a  swift  wit- 
ness against  you  all,  and  he  will  plead  with  you  for  all  these  things;  and 
you  shall  know,  that  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire,  when  you  feel  the 
vengeance  and  the  righteous  judgments  come  upon  you  for  all  your 
wickedness,  which  will  be  executed  speedily.  Therefore,  I  say  again, 
repent,  O  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity,  and  fear  the  living  God,  and  with 
speed  leave  olf  all  your  evil  ways  and  doings,  and  learn  righteousness 
and  truth ;  for  the  great  and  terrible  day  of  the  Lord  God  hastens  upon 
you  as  a  woman  in  travail,  and  none  in  transgression  shall  escape  it. 

So  this  is  your  warning  once  more  to  repent  with  speed,  and  ye  are 
all  left  without  excuse;  so  while  you  have  an  inch  of  time,  prize  it. 

Written  in  the  year  1664,  by 

"William  Bayly. 

The  Lord  trieth  the  righteous;  but  the  wicked,  and  him  that  loveth 
violence,  his  soul  hateth:  upon  the  wicked  he  shall  rain  snares,  fire  and 
brimstone,  and  a  horrible  tempest;  this  shall  be  the  portion  of  their 
cup,  Psal.  xi.  5.  For  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord  there  is  a  cup,  and  the 
wine  is  red;  it  is  full  of  mixture,  and  he  poureth  out  of  the  same:  but 
the  dregs  thereof  all  the  wicked  of  the  earth  shall  ring  them  out,  and 
drink  them.  Psal.  lxxv.  8. 

Let  this  be  spread  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 


An  Epistle  general:  containing  wholesome  exhortations  and  good 
counsel  from  the  spirit  of  truth,  unto  all  such  as  are,  or  may  be, 
under  the  judgment  or  sentence  of  banishment,  for  the  testi- 
mony of  Jesus  Christ,  {which  is  held  in  a  tender  conscience,} 
throughout  the  nation  of  England.  As  also,  unto  all  them  thai 
are  yet  at  liberty,  to  be  faithful  to  the  Lord,  and  meet  often  to- 
gether in  the  fear  of  his  name,  and  not  to  fear  man,  that  shall 
be  made  as  grass;  and  to  all  in  bonds,  prisons,  and  holes,  every 
where  throughout  the  world,  who  are  bearing  and  suffering  for 
the  same  testimony  of  truth  and  righteousness,  which  the  Lord 
hath  decreed  shall  prosper  and  spread  over  all  the  world  till  the 
kingdoms  thereof  are  become  his  kingdoms,  and  he  shall  reign 
forever  and  ever.  Amen. 

With  a  few  words  of  advice  to  all  who  have,  or  may  have,  any  mes- 
sage or  business  upon  the  account  of  truth,  to  such  as  are  in 
authority  in  the  nations.  By  a  servant  of  the  churches  of  Christ 
Jesus,  William  Bayly. 


My  dear  friends  and  brethren,  who  for  your  testimony  of  truth,  and 
obedience  to  the  God  of  Abraham,  are,  or  may  be,  caused  to  wander,  as 
some  of  our  fathers  have  done,  from  our  native  countries,  and  to  be  ex- 
posed to  the  want  of  a  certain  dwelling  place  in  the  earth,  and  to  for- 
sake all,  for  the  name  of  Christ,  that  is  near  and  dear  in  the  worldrand 
be  liable  to  great  jeopardies  and  perils  by  sea  and  land,  among  strangers, 
and  in  strange  countries;  why,  take  ye  no  thought  for  your  life,  what 
ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink,  or  wherewith  ye  shall  be  clothed, 
or  for  your  relations  and  families,  what  they  shall  do  in  your  absence  i 
for  the  Lord  for  whose  sake  ye  suffer  will  provide  both  for  you  and 
them,  as  ye  faithful  to  him  abide,  whose  tender  bowels  of  compassions 
are  open  towards  them  that  fear  him,  and  pitieth  them,  even  as  a  father 
pitieth  his  children.  But  consider  how  great  and  weighty  a  work  a  net 
service  the  Lord  at  this  time  hath  called  you  unto,  and  how  greatly  the 
honour  and  glory  of  his  holy  name  is  concerned  therein.  The  Lord  my 
God  give  you  a  clear  understanding  thereof,  and  direct  you  in  his  coun- 
sel in  all  ye  take  in  hand,  that  in  it  ye  may  stand  faithful,  and  be  pre- 
served in  his  pure  fear,  in  meekness  and  wisdom,  to  his  praise.  For  it  is 
the  faithfulness  of  his  people,  in  their  patient  sufferings,  and  circumspect, 
humble,  sober,  just,  wise, upright,  harmless  conversation,  that  will  answer 
the  principle  of  God  in  all  nations,  and  preach  his  kingdom  come  nigh 


280 


unto  people,  among  whomsoever  they  may  come,  or  be  scattered,  for  bis 
name's  sake.  And  by  this  gospel,  which  is  everlasting,  shall  thousands 
be  converted  unto  God,  and  multitudes  be  gathered  into  his  name,  and 
many  through  his  knowledge  shall  be  justified,  which  must  cover  the 
earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea,  as  was  prophesied  in  days  past. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  be  ye  not  at  all  discouraged  in  your  suffer- 
ings, but  look  at  the  end  for  which  the  Lord  hath  called  you  thereunto, 
which  is,  the  exaltation  of  his  name,  and  the  gathering  of  his  precious 
seed  out  of  captivity,  where  they  have  been  scattered  in  all  quarters, 
in  the  cloudy  and  dark  day,  that  they  might  come  to  inherit  rest  in 
their  own  land,  and  partake  of  the  glory  which  was  before  the  world 
was.  And  consult  not  with  flesh  and  blood  in  any  thing;  for  ye  have 
need  of  great  watchfulness  this  day,  that  no  reasoner  may  enter  you,  to 
the  betraying  the  innocent  into  the  sinner's  hands;  for  that  spirit  will  sell 
the  Lord  that  bought  them,  to  save  self  and  the  things  of  this  life.  But 
flesh  and  blood  must  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God ;  for  it  is  prepared 
for  that  blessed,  innocent  seed  only,  which  hath  no  kingdom  in  this  world, 
but  is  a  stranger  in  the  earth.  So  let  your  pure  breathings  be  manifest 
unto  the  Lord,  that  ye  may  receive  power  from  him,  to  be  preserved  in 
his  truth,  out  of  all  the  snares  of  this  world,  and  commit  your  cause  and 
all  ye  have,  freely  and  wholly  unto  him,  and  be  purely  resigned  and 
subject  to  his  heavenly  will,  eyeing  his  glory,  in  all  things,  at  all  times, 
and  in  all  places.  For  the  work  is  his,  and  the  cause  ye  are  engaged 
in  is  the  Lord's,  and  not  your  own.  Ye  are  but  as  servants,  or  instru- 
ments in  this  great  work,  which  the  Lord  hath  begun,  and  is  causing  to 
spread  and  prosper  throughout  the  earth,  that  he  may  get  himself  a 
great,  and  glorious,  and  dreadful  name,  to  the  ends  of  the  world,  who 
shall  be  made  to  bow  down  and  worship  at  his  foot-stool,  and  confess 
that  we  are  his  people,  and  that  the  everlasting  God  is  with  us,  is  on 
our  side,  and  fights  for  us,  who  cannot  strive  nor  fight  for  ourselves,  nor 
avenge  our  own  cause,  but  leave  it  to  him  who  judgeth  righteously. 
And  this  shall  be  an  evident  token  that  our  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world, 
unto  all  people. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends  and  brethren,  faint  not  in  your  minds, 
neither  be  ye  discouraged  as  concerning  the  greatness  of  the  trials  ye 
h;ive  to  undergo,  but  cast  your  burthen  (in  this  matter)  upon  the  Lord; 
lor  the  weight  of  your  sufferings  herein  he  hath  pondered,  and  it  is  come 
near  unto  him,  and  to  the  hearts  of  his  dear  children,  whose  secret  cries 
and  tender  breathings  are  incessantly  poured  forth  into  his  bosom  in 
your  behalf,  in  the  tender  yearning  bowels  of  his  everlasting  compassions; 
that  ye  may  stand  faithful  in  his  counsel,  and  so  walk,  that  his  glorious 
name  may  be  exalted,  and  his  truth  glorified  in  you,  and  by  you,  and 
by  all  that  make,  mention  thereof.    Lite,  to  what  end  is  all  our  suf- 


281 


ferings  and  profession  of  his  name  in  the  world?  Surely,  surely  the  Lord 
is  choosing  a  remnant  to  himself  to  walk  with  him  in  faithfulness,  that 
shall  greatly  honour  him,  and  magnify,  and  reverence  his  holy  name, 
and  bring  praise  unto  him  in  this  his  day ;  and  such  only  will  the  Lord 
my  God  honour  with  everlasting  dominion,  and  beautify  with  his  eter- 
nal salvation  and  peace.  Oh  !  happy  is  the  man,  and  happy  will  be  that 
soul,  whose  lot  falls  in  this  ground.  And  verily,  it  is  but  a  little  while, 
and  he  will  wipe  away  the  reproach  of  this  his  chosen  remnant,  and  plead 
their  cause  with  all  their  oppressors,  when  the  measures  of  the  iniqui- 
ties of  his  adversaries  are  filled  up,  and  our  faith  and  patience  suffi- 
ciently tried,  and  proved,  and  made  manifest  to  the  world.  For  of  this 
great  controversy,  now  in  hand,  the  tender  seed  of  God  is  very  sensible 
through  nations,  which  gives  many  people  to  see  and  discern  an  absolute 
difference  of  spirit,  and  a  great  gulf  fixed  between  us  and  our  adversa- 
ries. And  this  shall  arise  and  break  the  hearts  of  thousands,  who  are 
yet  afar  off,  when  they  shall  hear  of  your  patient,  innocent  sufferings, 
only  for  your  tender  conscience  and  the  worship  of  your  God ;  to  whose 
name  and  power  many  shall  confess,  (as  the  king  in  Daniel's  day,)  that 
he  is  the  living  God,  and  steadfast  for  ever,  and  his  kingdom  that  which 
shall  never  be  destroyed,  and  his  dominion  shall  be  even  to  the  end.  He 
delivereth  and  rescueth,  and  he  worketh  signs  and  wonders  in  heaven 
and  in  earth.  And  thus  is  our  God,  who  is  the  same,  doing  at  this  very 
day,  though  the  ungodly  see  it  not,  as  shall  hereafter  be  confessed  and 
published,  as  this  was  after  the  beloved  Daniel  was  tried  and  proved, 
and  not  before;  mark  that!  and  then  wo  will  be  to  your  persecutors,  as 
it  was  to  his,  when  the  seed  shall  arise  in  the  nations  and  witness  for 
you,  and  against  them,  who  shall  curse  the  hour  in  which  they  were 
born,  and  the  moment  in  which  they  breathed  in  the  world,  and  the 
womb  that  bare  them,  that  ever  they  should  be  so  blind  as  to  bring  swift 
destruction  upon  their  own  heads,  for  the  lucre  of  a  moment  of  plea- 
sures. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  let  your  mmds  be  stayed,  and  your  hearts 
fixed  on  the  Lord,  that  ye  may  be  always  kept  and  preserved  in  the 
pure  sense  of  the  weight  and  ponderousness  of  this  his  great  and  ho- 
nourable work,  which  he  hath  called  you  into,so  that  ye  maybe  patterns, 
and  pure  examples  of  righteousness,  gravity,  truth,  and  holiness  to  na- 
tions, even  as  lights  in  a  dark  place,  and  as  a  city  set  on  the  everlasting 
hill  of  God,  above  all  the  fury  and  rage  of  your  enemies,  or  their  most 
subtle  temptations  or  provocations,  which  ye  may  meet  withal  in  your 
travails  and  daily  exercises;  from  which  may  God  deliver  you,  and  keep 
you  steadfast  in  watchfulness,  wisdom,  and  fear  to  the  end;  that  ye  may 
be  preserved  out  of  all  the  snares  of  the  enemy,  to  the  honour  of  hit, 

36 


282 


great  name,  and  the  comfort  and  peace  of  your  own  souls;  for  it  is  the 
endurer  to  the  end,  that  shall  be  saved. 

And,  dear  friends,  take  heed  and  beware  of  letting  in  the  spirit  of  this 
-world  into  your  hearts,  which  naturally  draws  from  God,  into  its  own 
centre,  to  look  after  the  riches,  ease,  and  glory  thereof.  For  it  was  not  in 
vain  that  the  same  spirit  that  now  dwells  in  his  children,  exhorted  his 
disciples,  in  ages  past,  to  "take  heed  and  beware  of  covetousness ;"  for 
a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things  of  this  world, 
which  he  may  possess.  For  whosoever  shall  let  forth  his  mind  after 
these  things,  and  embrace  and  entertain  those  subtle  contrivances  which 
may  arise  in  the  mind  as  temptations,  and  shall  follow  the  whisperings 
thereof,  and  so  let  that  be  his  guide,  which  leads  to  seek  self,  his  own 
honour,  riches,  and  glory,  and  not  the  things  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  truth, 
and  its  glory  only,  such  a  one  will  be  destroyed,  and  not  preserved. 
And  this  I  have  received  from  my  God,  to  warn  you  of  it,  in  tender  love 
to  your  souls,  and  to  the  honour  of  his  everlasting  name,  which  must 
and  will  be  exalted  over  all  the  earth.  And  though  a  thousand  should 
fall  on  the  right  hand,  and  ten  thousands  on  the  left  hand,  yet  the  Lord 
shall  be  glorified,  and  all  people  be  left  without  just  excuse. 

So  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  direct  you,  and  preserve  you  chaste  and 
single  unto  himself,  for  his  name's  sake,  and  for  his  tender  seed's  sake, 
which  is  very  dear  and  precious  to  him  in  every  nation.  And  this  is  the 
breathing  of  my  heart  and  soul  for  you  all,  in  the  true  and  living  sense 
of  the  marvellous  work  and  wonderful  things  he  is  bringing  to  pass  in 
these  latter  days;  for  it  is  the  life  that  must  confound  Babel,  as  in  the  days 
of  old,  and  build  up  Zion,  whose  walls  are  salvation  and  gates  praises 
for  evermore.  Therefore,  in  the  retired,  watchful,  pure  light  and* 
life  of  God  itself,  all  dwell,  always  eyeing  his  eternal  power  and  pre- 
sence to  go  before  you.  This  was  Moses'  mind,  "Carry  us  not  hence 
except  thy  presence  go  with  us."  For  that  is  it  by  which  the  Lord 
wrought  wonderful  things,  and  preserved  his  people  in  all  ages,  who 
were  obedient  thereunto.  And  this  hath  preserved  us,  who  have  been 
led  and  guided  thereby,  to  this  day,  and  will  preserve  us  to  the  end,  as 
we  are  faithful  to  obey  its  requirings,  and  no  otherwise  can  any  be 
preserved,  or  saved  out  of  temptations,  and/rom  the  wrath  to  come.  And 
this  I  do  affirm  from  certain  experience;  for  transgression  against  God's 
requirings  was,  and  is  the  ground  and  cause  of  the  separation  and  alien- 
ation from  him,  and  from  his  covenant  of  promise,  and  is  the  breach  of 
the  peace  and  unity  between  God  and  man.  So  that  there  is  no  peace 
to  the  wicked, neither  can  there  be,  so  long  as  the  whoredoms  and  witch- 
crafts of  Jezebel  remain;  and  disobedience  is  as  the  sin  of  witchcraft;  and 
stubbornness  is  iniquity  and  idolatry:  so  that  none  can  enjoy  perfect  peace 
with  the  holy  God,  but  them  whose  feet  are  guided  by  his  light  and  holy 


283 


spirit,  in  the  way  of  peace,  which  all  the  world  that  lie  in  wickedness, 
in  transgression,  are  ignorant  of:  the  way  of  peace  they  know  not,  but 
"the  children  of  the  Lord  shall  be  all  taught  of  him,  and  great  shall  be 
the  peace  of  his  children." 

So  my  dear  friends,  mind  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  let  it  be  your  guide 
and  teacher,  and  your  dwelling  place;  for  they  of  the  nations  that  are 
saved,  must  walk  in  the  light.  Mark,  though  they  are  saved,  yet  they  must 
still  walk  in  the  light  of  the  holy  city;  and  to  it  shall  the  gathering 
of  the  people  be,  who  shall  llock  thereunto  as  the  doves  to  the  windows, 
as  was  prophesied  and  is  now  fulfilling  in  this  our  day.  Blessed  forever  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  And  take  good  heed  to  your  ways,  words,  and  car- 
riages, amongst  all  people  wherever  you  come,  as  ye  love  the  honour  of 
God,  and  the  peace  of  your  own  souls ;  in  whose  name,  in  the  bowels  of 
love,  I  lay  it  upon  you  all.  For  many  will  be  the  eyes  that  will  be  sharply 
fixed  upon  you,  both  for  good  and  for  evil,  even  to  mark  all  your  steps 
in  every  path  which  you  shall  tread  with  your  feet.  Therefore,  keep 
your  feet  in  the  way  of  peace,  and  walk  with  God,  as  Enoch,  that  ye 
may  be  more  and  more  translated,  and  taken  up  out  of  the  sight  of  all 
.  that  watch  for  your  halting.  So  that  ye  have  the  witness  in  yourselves, 
that  your  ways  please  the  Lord,  as  he  had,  and  as  many  of  his  dear 
children  have  at  this  day,  with  whom  ye  will  have  precious  unity,  as  ye 
walk  in  the  same  steps,  and  mind  the  same  things,  that  are  eternal.  And 
walk  in  lowliness,  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  love  and  tenderness  one 
towards  another,  that  men  seeing  your  good  works,  and  blameless  con- 
versation, may  glorify  the  name  of  our  God,  in  whose  sight  the  orna- 
ment of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  is  of  great  price:  so  shall  your  good  and 
sweet  savour  of  all  virtues  abound  and  spread  through  nations,  and  by 
these  things,  as  leaves  and  fruits  of  the  tree  of  life,  must  the  nations  be 
healed  and  replanted.  And  this  is  God's  decree  and  determination,  and 
the  work  he  hath  begun  amongst  us,  and  is  about  at  this  very  day,  even 
to  make  new  heavens,  and  a  new  earth,  wherein  righteousness  shall 
dwell  for  ever;  and  the  old  shall  pass  and  is  passing  away  with  this 
great  noise.  For  the  Lord  is  finishing  transgression,  and  making  an  end 
of  sin,  and  bringing  in  everlasting  righteousness.  Blessed  is  the  eye  that 
seeth,  and  the  heart  that  believeth  and  understandeth,  and  waiteth 
patiently  and  faithfully  for  the  accomplishment  thereof.  For  such  only 
shall  be  kept  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,  who  abide  in  the 
secret  of  the  Most  High,  where  they  enjoy  the  sure  mercies  of  David, 
and  the  kingdom  and  dominion  which  never  end.  Into  which  the  God 
of  life  bring  you  by  his  eternal  power,  and  keep  and  preserve  you  in  his 
pure,  peaceable  wisdom,  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  wherever  you 
come,  by  sea  and  land.  The  eternal  God  of  my  life,  of  heaven  and 
earth,  be  with  you,  and  cause  you  to  grow  daily,  as  living  plants  to  his 
renown  and  glory,  and  give  you  favour  among  all  people,  that  genera- 


284 


tions  to  come,  may  call  you  the  blessed  of  the  Lord.  And  as  in  this  ye 
walk  and  abide,  your  enemies  shall  be  made  to  confess,  that  you  are  his 
chosen  people,  and  many  shall  take  hold  of  your  skirts,  because  of  those 
virtues  of  which  your  garments  will  send  forth  a  sweet  savour  among 
them.  But  wo  to  that  man,  by  whom  the  Lord  shall  be  dishonoured 
among  you,  it  had  been  good  for  him,  that  he  had  not  been  born. 

So,  my  dear  friends  and  brethren,  dwell  in  your  particular  measures 
of  the  grace  of  God,  the  light  and  power  of  his  eternal  spirit  of  truth, 
for  whose  name's  sake  ye  suffer;  and  resign  up  your  own  will,  in  the 
cross  daily,  to  his  heavenly  will  and  providence,  and  cast  all  your  care 
upon  him  ;  for  he  carcth  for  his  children.  Only  let  this  be  your  care, 
that  his  name  and  truth  be  kept  clear,  and  be  not  reproached  or  blas- 
phemed, or  suffer  justly  any  way  through  any  of  you;  for  that  would 
bring  weakness,  and  even  a  consumption  upon  you;  condemnation  and 
anguish  upon  every  soul  that  doth  evil.  So  the  eternal  God  keep  your 
minds  and  hearts  in  the  deep  consideration  of  the  substance  of  these 
things :  for  truly,  friends,  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  feared 
and  honoured  by  all  that  make  mention  of  his  name ;  the  weight  of 
which  my  soul  doth  daily  ponder,  and  yet  there  remains  a  depth  be- 
yond what  the  mind  of  man  can  fathom. 

So,  unto  the  Lord  and  his  faithful  witness  I  leave  you,  being  clear 
of  what  lay  on  me  to  write  unto  you  in  this  matter  at  present,  yet  my 
soul  doth  daily  travail  and  breathe  to  my  God  for  you  all;  for  the  ho- 
nour of  his  name  is  settled  in  my  heart  daily  more  and  more,  in  the 
sense  whereof  I  cannot  forget  his  dear  suffering  people,  who  sutler 
for  his  name's  sake. 

So,  the  God  of  heaven  be  with  you,  and  his  pure  lively  presence  fill 
your  hearts  with  everlasting  joy  and  peace,  and  in  this  we  shall  daily 
meet  together,  and  embrace  each  other,  where  nothing  can  separate, 
as  in  it  we  faithful  abide,  though  we  may  be  separated  as  to  the  out- 
ward vessels,  through  the  wills  of  men,  never  to  see  each  other's  faces 
more.    The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done,  saith  my  soul, 

Who  am  your  dear  brother  in  the  bond  of  love  and  peace,  which 
never  changeth, 

W.  B. 


285 


7b  all  them  that  are  yet  at  liberty  to  be  faithf  ul  to  the  Lord, 
and  meet  often  together  in  the  fear  of  his  name;  and  not  to  fear 
man,  that  shall  be  made  as  grass:  and  to  all  in  bonds,  prisons,  and 
holes,  every  where  throughout  the  world,  who  are  bearing  and 
suffering  for  the  same  testimony  of  truth  and  righteousness, 
which  the  Lord  hath  decreed  shall  prosper  and  spread  over  all  the 
world,  till  the  kingdoms  thereof  are  become  his  kingdoms,  and  he 
shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 

A\d  all  friends,every  where,  who  are  yet  at  liberty,  keep  your  meet- 
ings together,  in  the  name  and  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  be  not  daunted  or 
terrified  in  any  thing,  as  from  your  adversaries;  for  the  Lord  hath  per- 
mitted or  suffered  them  in  some  measure,  according  to  their  hearts  de- 
sire, to  try  you,  and  to  sift  and  winnow  you  for  a  season ;  and  ye  shall  have 
tribulation  ten  days.  For  the  devil,  who  hath  already  cast  many  of 
you  into  prisons,  hath  desired  to  winnow  you  as  wheat,  and  not  only  so, 
but  to  destroy  you  utterly,  root  and  branch,  from  off  the  earth.  But 
blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  sent  down  the  angel  of  his  presence,  with 
.  the  great  chain  in  his  hand,  and  hath  laid  hold  on  the  dragon,  so  that 
he  is  limited,  as  in  the  days  of  Job,  though  he  cast  out  his  floods  of  rage 
and  fury  against  the  man-child,  persecuting  the  woman  that  brings  him 
forth,  and  make  war  with  the  remnant  of  her  seed,  which  keep  the 
commandments,  and  hold  fast  the  testimony  of  Jesus.  But  his  time  is 
but  short,  of  which  he  is  sensible,  that  his  ruin  and  downfall  approacheth; 
and  dreadfulness  hath  taken  hold  of  his  heart,  because  the  two  w  itnesses 
are  risen  which  torment  the  earth,  the  spirit  of  life  from  God  is  entered 
into  them,  and  they  stand  upon  their  feet,  and  great  fear  is  fallen  upon 
their  enemies;  and  this  is  the  smoke  of  their  torment,  of  the  fire  which 
is  kindled  in  their  bowels,  which  will  never  be  quenched  till  the  ungod- 
ly are  consumed,  whose  swift  destruction  is  hastening  upon  them,  and 
this  way  it  cometh  to  pass,  even  by  those  very  actions  and  contrivances 
by  which  your  adversary  thinks  to  stand,  and  uphold  his  power  and 
kingdom,  so  blind  are  he  and  his  followers.  And  when  they  shall  cry 
peace  and  safety,  then  shall  sudden  destruction  come  upon  them,  as 
pangs  on  a  woman  in  travail,  and  they  shall  not  escape. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  be  of  good  courage,  and  stand  valiant  for 
the  truth  upon  earth,  and  dwell  in  the  will  of  God,  and  be  faithful  to 
him  in  whatsoever  he  makes  manifest  to  you,  that  ye  may  witness  per- 
fect peace  with  him  in  all  ye  do  or  suffer  for  his  name's  sake.  And  fear 
not  him  that  can  but  kill  the  body,  and  hath  power  to  do  no  more;  but 
fear  and  reverence  the  living  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  let  him  be 
your  dread,  and  not  man,  and  commit  yourselves,  and  all  ye  have,  and 
the  cause  ye  arc  engaged  in.  freely  unto  the  Lord,  who  takes  care  for 


286 


his  children,  that  not  one  hair  of  their  head  shall  perish  beyond  his  per- 
mission. And  keep  your  meetings  diligently,  and  let  in  no  reasoner  or 
consulter  with  flesh  and  blood,  to  hinder  you  therefrom.  And  meet 
together  as  exactly  as  ye  can  possibly  at  the  time  appointed;  for  your 
faithful  testimony  herein  is  honourable  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  and  of 
his  children,  who  suffer  bonds,  or  may  suffer  exilements  or  banishment 
for  the  same  testimony.  And  in  so  doing  ye  will  be  a  strength  and  en- 
couragement one  to  another,  and  a  good  savour  in  the  hearts  of  many 
that  are  even  ready  to  join  with  you  in  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  a 
dread  to  your  enemies.  For  by  a  foolish  nation  will  he  anger  the  mighty 
and  wise  men  of  the  earth,  and  provoke  many  people  to  jealousy;  and 
the  time  is  come,  that  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord 
in  truth  shall  be  saved. 

Therefore,  resist  every  appearance  or  thought  to  the  contrary,  in  the 
light  and  strength  of  God,  as  a  temptation  of  the  enemy.    And  remem- 
ber the  serpent  tempted  in  Paradise  to  break  the  command  of  the  Lord, 
and  is  yet  near  to  betray  the  innocent  into  the  sinner's  hands,  whose 
mercy  will  be  found  cruelty.    For  he  is  not  wanting  at  this  day  to 
strive  every  way  to  make  you  fall  from  your  steadfastness,  neither  is  his 
subtlety  abated,  to  beguile  the  simple,  to  draw  them  into  his  own  state 
of  condemnation,  of  which  all  have  been,  are,  and  ever  will  be  par- 
takers, who  hearken  to  his  voice,  and  obey  his  temptations.    And  this 
lies  on  me  to  warn  you  of:  for  if  he  gets  you  to  bow  a  little,  he  will 
get  more  strength  against  you,  and  more  hold  and  ground  in  you,  by 
his  fair  flourished  baits,  and  cunning  crafty  allurements,  whereby  your 
faith  would  be  weakened,  and  even  fail,  till  he  cause  you  to  make 
shipwreck  thereof,  and  of  a  good  conscience,  through  the  tossing  of  your 
minds  to  and  fro  in  the  sea  of  temptations;  and  this  would  be  an  horrible 
day  of  tempests  unto  you.    The  Lord  my  God,  by  his  eternal  power, 
keep  open  your  understandings,  that  ye  may  perfectly  see  and  discern 
him  in  all  his  wiles  and  cunning  craftiness,  by  which  he  lies  in  wait  to 
deceive  both  within  and  from  without;  that  so  ye  may  be  able  to  resist 
him  in  every  appearance,  and  quench  all  his  fiery  darts  in  the  living 
faith,  that  not  a  place  be  given  to  him ;  for  if  ye  give  him  place,  he 
will  get  more  room  and  matter  to  work  on,  till  he  becomes  a  strong 
man  armed  to  keep  the  house  against  every  motion  and  appearance  of 
God  in  you,  thereby  endeavouring  to  dwell  at  peace.  But  all  his  strong 
holds  must  be  stormed,  and  his  peace  overturned,  and  the  league  and 
covenant  with  death  and  hell  shall  be  broken,  by  the  pure  life  and 
seed  of  God,  (his  head  bruiser, )  let  him  do  what  he  can,  and  then  ye  will 
perceive  he  was  a  false  prophet,  and  hath  deceived  you. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  watch  and  pray  continually,  that  ye 
enter  not  into  temptation;  but  that  ye  may  see  every  appearance  of 


287 


evil,  and  abstain  from  it.  So  shall  the  God  of  truth  and  peace  sanctify 
you  wholly,  in  body,  soul,  and  spirit,  whereby  ye  shall  become  fit  habi- 
tations for  the  Lord  to  dwell  and  walk  in,  and  have  his  testimony  in 
yourselves,  that  you  are  his  children,  being  taught  of  him,  and  preserv- 
ed by  him  to  his  praise,  and  your  everlasting  comfort  and  peace.  So 
keep  your  eye  open  in  the  eternal  light,  in  which  ye  will  see  over  time, 
and  all  things  comprehended  in  it,  and  through  the  end  of  all  temptations, 
and  over  all  the  storms  and  tempests  of  the  wicked,  who  at  this  day 
are  like  the  troubled  sea,  and  cannot  rest;  for  there  is  no  peace  to  the 
wicked,  saith  my  God.  But  he  is  your  peace  and  resting  place,  who 
rebukes  the  winds,  and  walks  upon  the  sea,  and  calms  the  storms  at  his 
pleasure.  Though  in  the  world  ye  have  tribulation  and  persecution 
for  his  name's  sake,  it  is  but  for  a  moment  in  respect  of  the  eternal  life, 
if  it  should,  be  so  all  the  days  of  your  pilgrimage  on  the  earth,  and  but 
light  allliction  in  comparison  of  the  exceeding  weight  of  the  glory  ye 
shall  be  partakers  of,  as  ye  abide  faithful  to  the  end. 

So  the  eternal  God  of  life  and  peace  be  with  you,  and  preserve  you 
by  his  power,  and  keep  you  all  valiant  for  his  living  truth,  in  the  pure 
sense  and  enjoyment  thereof  in  all  your  hearts,  to  the  end. 

And  my  dear  friends,  who  are  in  bonds,  prisons,  and  holes,  for  the 
same  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  where  ye  are  oppressed  and  thronged 
as  sheep  appointed  for  the  slaughter,  without  mercy  from  your  adver- 
saries. Be  ye  not  discouraged,  but  lift  up  your  heads  in  the  pure  life 
of  your  testimony ;  for  this  is  a  day  in  which  the  Lord  will  glorify  him- 
self in  the  eyes  of  all  nations,  and  get  himself  a  name  above  every 
name,  that  every  knee  may  bow  to  him,  and  that  all  flesh  may  dread 
and  tremble  before  him,  and  become  as  the  grass  and  as  the  flower  that 
fadeth  away  at  the  majesty  and  glory  of  his  presence,  who  hath  touched  . 
the  mountains,  and  they  smoke,  and  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascends 
night  and  day,  because  of  the  everlasting  burnings,  with  which  he  is 
melting  the  hills  like  wax,  and  consuming  the  ungodly  like  the  fat  of 
lambs,  and  folding  them  up  as  thorns  and  stubble  for  the  fire.  Great  is 
the  work  which  the  Lord  is  doing,  and  cutting  short  in  righteousness. 
Yea,  such  a  day  is  approaching  as  many  will  not  believe,  though  it  be 
and  hath  been  declared  unto  them,  in  which  the  Lord  will  plead  with 
all  flesh  by  fire  and  sword,  and  with  plague  and  pestilence,  famine  and 
earthquakes  in  divers  places,  and  dreadful  storms  and  fearful  sights 
within  and  without,  so  that  all  flesh  shall  be  pained,  and  wax  feeble 
before  him.  For  the  terrors  of  God  within  and  without  shall  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  the  ungodly,  and  compass  the  wicked  as  with 
snares  of  fire,  till  they  are  consumed:  and  the  very  stars  in  their  courses 
shall  fight  against  them.  Yea,  he  will  make  his  wonders  known  upon 
them,  as  in  the  days  of  Egypt,    And  this  1  am  bold  to  proclaim,  in  the 


ilame  and  authority  of  the  everlasting  God;  for  I  have  seen  the  coft- 
sumption  determined,  and  how  it  will  come  to  pass,  which  is  coming 
upon  them  as  swift  as  on  eagle's  wings,  and  it  shall  not  tarry,  nor  be 
prolonged.  And  he  that  will  come  to  reward  every  man  according  as 
his  work  shall  be,  will  come  quickly.  Blessed  are  they  that  wait  for 
him. 

Therefore,  my  dear  friends,  seeing  our  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons, 
but  is  risen  as  a  giant  to  the  battle,  to  plead  the  cause  of  his  elect  seed, 
and  to  exalt  his  name  over  all  the  earth;  and  seeing  we  look  for  such 
things,  which  will  certainly  come  to  pass,  and  be  fulfilled  in  their  sea- 
son, which  hastens,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be,  in  all  holy 
conversation  and  godliness!  And  what  need  have  we  of  diligence, 
watchfulness,  and  readiness,  that  we  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace, 
without  spot,  and  blameless!  The  God  of  all  mercies,  whose  long  suf- 
fering and  kindness  hath  been  exceedingly  manifested  to  usward,  keep 
you  exceeding  still,  quiet,  and  low  in  your  minds  and  spirits,  fearing  to 
offend  him  in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  at  all  times  and  seasons.  And 
take  heed  of  discourses  among  yourselves  which  are  unnecessary;  for 
the  enemy  hath  a  secret  end  to  effect  among  such  things,  to  draw  out 
your  minds  from  the  living  sense  of  the  precious,  tender  seed  of  God  in 
you,  which  preserves  the  mind  joined  to  it,  in  the  humbleness  and  watch- 
fulness against  every  appearance  of  evil.  For  he  will  not  let  slip  any 
opportunity  which  tends  to  his  advantage,  that  he  may  thereby  pre- 
serve, continue,  and  uphold  his  own  kingdom  and  interest.  Now  he 
perceives  his  ruin  approaching,  and  his  perpetual  downfall  at  hand,  who 
will  dwell  as  long  as  he  can  in  the  two  men  once  possessed,  but  being 
wholly  cast  out  from  thence,  his  last  habitation  is  the  herd  of  swine, 
whom  he  hath  caused  and  will  cause,  to  run  down  with  violence  and 
perish. 

So  my  dear  friends,  be  very  careful,  and  let  your  words  be  few,  and 
your  moderation  known  unto  all  men,  and  in  all  things,  for  the  Lord  is 
at  hand,  who  weigheth  the  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  intents,  and 
purposes  of  all  people,  with  a  just  balance,  who  will  not  acquit  the 
guilty,  without  punishment,  wheresoever  it  is  found.  And  keep  within 
the  bonds  of  the  feeling  of  the  seed  of  God  in  all  your  ways :  for  that  is  the 
ancient  land-mark,  which  he  that  goes  beyond  transgresseth.  And  take 
heed  of  loudness,  forwardness,  or  hastiness  of  speech  in  all  your  dis- 
courses about  the  things  of  this  world;  and  this  I  lay  upon  you  from  the 
Lord,  to  whom  you  must  give  an  account;  but  be  dead  and  slow  to  such 
things,  and  be  lively  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  truth,  and  yet  moderate, 
patient,  and  cool.  For  God  requireth  stillness,  yea,  great  stillness  and 
watchfulness  amongst  you  at  this  day,  that  you  may  hear  his  voice,  and 
do  his  will,  and  stand  in  his  pure  counsel,  which  the  many  words  with- 


289 


out  knowledge  and  meekness  of  wisdom  darkeneth,  for  which  the  re- 
proofs must  come.  So  the  Lord  guide  you  in  his  fear,  and  gentle, 
peaceable  wisdom,  that  no  folly,  superfluity,  or  unsoundness  may  be 
found  among  you,  but  that  ye  may  all  learn  of  him  daily,  who  is  meek 
and  lowly,  and  be  kept  in  his  weighty  and  savoury  life,  to  the  honour 
of  his  name,  and  the  comfort  and  edification  of  one  another.  And  mark 
them  that  are  unruly,  and  walk  disorderly  among  you,  and  cause  divi- 
sions, through  their  unsubjected  wills  and  exalted  spirits,  above  the  seed 
of  God,  which  is  but  one  in  you  all ;  and  have  no  fellowship  with  them, 
that  they  may  see  their  shame ;  and  yet  have  no  prejudice  or  enmity 
rise  in  your  hearts  against  any;  but  let  your  upright  life  and  conversa- 
tion daily  judge  and  condemn  them,  that  if  possible  they  may  be 
awakened,  and  be  sensible  of  their  state,  and  repent,  and  be  saved.  So 
let  there  be  no  strife  or  contentions  amongst  you,  no  needless  disputa- 
tions, whereby  the  weak  may  stumble,  no  foolish  jesting,  nor  vain  jang- 
ling, but  quietness  and  soberness,  with  gravity  and  godliness,  in  all 
reverence  and  godly  fear.  For  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire,  and  "if  the 
righteous  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  transgressor 
appear?" 

So,  dear  friends,  study  to  be  quiet,  and  eat  your  own  bread,  and  wait 
for  it  daily,  and  be  content  therewith,  and  let  all  your  striving  be  to 
standstill;  for  herein  is  your  strength  increased.  And  be  good  examples 
one  unto  another,  and  to  all  people  that  may  come  among  you,  to  visit 
you.  or  to  behold  your  order;  for  the  holy  name  of  our  God  is  greatly 
concerned  in  this  matter.    And  we  are  now  the  very  people  by  whom 
he  will  be  honoured  and  greatly  exalted,  or  else  reproached  and  dis- 
honoured, in  this  our  day  and  generation.    So,  grieve  not  the  spirit  of 
God  in  yourselves  or  others,  neither  provoke  him  to  jealousy  against 
you,  but  dwell  retired  and  watchful  against  every  motion  that  would 
exalt  itself  above  the  precious,  tender  seed,  to  hurt  it.  So  shall  ye  have 
peace,  as  ye  dwell  in  the  holy  mountain,  and  be  justified  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord,  and  be  a  good  savour  in  the  hearts  of  all  sober  people,  whose 
eyes  are  towards  you  for  good.    So,  mind  the  honour  of  God,  and  bear 
in  remembrance  the  end  for  which  he  hath  called  you  out  of  the  world 
at  this  day,  to  bear  your  testimony  in  sufferings  for  his  name's  sake. 
And  be  circumspect,  humble,  and  wise  in  all  your  ways,  that  the  Lord 
may  be  honoured  by  you,  and  his  witness  answered  in  all  people.  So 
shall  his  seed  be  raised,  and  the  weak  be  strengthened,  and  your  own 
souls  comforted  in  him  that  guides  his  children,  that  learn  of  him,  in 
the  way  of  peace.  And  for  this  is  the  daily  travail  of  my  soul,  who  am 
one  in  sufferings  with  you  for  the  same  pure  testimony,  which  shall 
stand  forever. 


37 


•290 


*d  few  words  of  advice  to  all  who  have,  or  may  have,  any  message 
or  business  upon  the  account  of  truth,  to  such  as  are  in  authority 
in  the  nations. 

And  all  Friends  every  where,  who  have,  or  may  have  any  occasion 
or  business  to  any  in  authority  in  the  nations;  or  who,  having  done  any 
thing  in  obedience  to  the  Lord,  as  your  faithful  testimony  to  his  name, 
for  which  ye  are  or  may  be  brought  before  any  of  them,  or,  have  any 
motion  lie  upon  you,  to  go  and  warn  them,  or  any  particular  of  them, 
concerning  the  work  they  are  about,  or  of  the  day  of  the  Lord,  that  is 
coming  as  a  thief  upon  them;  or,  as  concerning  them  that  suffer  bonds, 
or  the  spoiling  of  their  goods,  or  sentence  of  banishment  for  the  truth's 
sake,  or  the  like,  this  I  lay  upon  you  from  the  Lord,  which  hath  often 
risen  in  my  heart:  go  not  in  your  own  will,  nor  time;  but  wait  upon 
him  in  stillness,  and  eye  his  pure  presence  and  power  to  go  with  you, 
before  you,  to  lead  and  carry  you  on  in  obedience  to  his  own  pure  mo- 
tion, in  which  ye  will  feel  strength  sufficient,  and  receive  the  pure  wis- 
dom from  above,  as  in  his  light,  dread,  and  counsel  ye  abide,  so  to  speak 
that  God's  witness  in  all  may  be  answered ;  and  here  ye  will  be  a  good 
savour  to  him,  whether  they  hear  or  forbear.  So,  premeditate  not  afore- 
hand,  what  to  speak  or  answer;  but  singly  give  up,  and  dwell  low  and 
subject  to  the  Lord,  and  keep  within  the  feeling  of  his  eternal  power, 
and  sink  into  it,  and  then  ye  will  be  preserved  innocent,  and  cool,  and 
patient,  and  bold,  in  dominion  over  all  fear  and  weakness,  which  would 
be  ready  to  enter;  and  so  the  truth  being  kept  clear  in  you  and  by  you 
in  all  things,  the  Lord  will  be  honoured,  and  his  name  exalted  over 
all  the  contrary,  to  whom  all  honour  and  fear  belong.    And  let  none 
suit  or  frame  themselves  to  please  men;  but  all  seek  to  please  the  Lord, 
and  seek  his  face  and  his  glory.    And  let  his  truth  be  very  dear  and 
precious  to  you  and  amongst  you  all,  yea,  more  than  your  own  lives, 
and  then  by  it  ye  will  be  preserved  to  his  praise,  and  your  own  eternal 
comfort  and  peace.  For  great  have  been  the  sufferings  for  its  sake,  and 
many  have  sealed  their  testimony  of  it  with  their  blood,  who  have  not 
loved  their  lives  unto  death  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  them,  whose 
faithfulness  lives  in  an  everlasting  record,  and  can  never  be  blotted  out 
of  the  hearts  of  the  righteous,  but  is  had  in  eternal  remembrance;  the 
consideration  whereof  shall  break  the  hearts  of  children  that  are  yet 
unborn,  and  the  life  thereof  shall  raise  up  thousands  from  the  dead, 
who  shall  give  glory  to  God  in  their  behalf.   So,  in  his  truth,  the  Lord 
God  of  all  mercies  and  everlasting  blessings  keep  you  all.  Amen. 
In  whose  blessed  will  I  lie  down,  with  all  the  faithful  and  upright  in 


291 


heart,  daily  waiting  in  his  pure  light,  which  makes  all  things  manifest, 
to  know  more  of  his  counsel,  and  to  be  obedient  thereunto,  in  whatsoever 
he  requires  of  me;  in  which  I  exhort  some,  that  they  suffer  not  amotion 
of  that  spirit  of  Core  or  Eliab  to  rise  in  their  hearts,  lest  thereby  they 
endanger  themselves:  for  what  was  Moses?  And  what  was  Aaron?  And 
what  are  all  that  bear  a  pure  testimony  this  day,  for  the  name  of  the 
most  holy,  dreadful  God,  but  such  as  hazard  their  lives,  and  are  your 
servants  for  Christ's  sake?  Therefore,  let  such  be  very  careful  and  tender 
in  this  matter :  for  cannot  we  say  to  them,  as  little  David  to  his  brethren, 
"  Is  there  not  a  cause?"    Do  not  the  care  and  zeal  for  the  honour  of 
the  great  and  holy  name  of  our  God  daily  increase  in  our  hearts?  I  can 
truly  say,  "  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  even  eaten  me  up."  That  his 
living  truth  and  people  may  be  kept  blameless  and  spotless  in  this  great 
and  notable  day  of  trial,  is  the  travail  of  my  breathing  soul  day  and  night. 
And  I  seek  not  mine  own  honour,  but  the  honour  of  him  that  hath  had 
mercy  upon  me,  who  hath  opened  mine  eyes,and  givenme  of  his  free  spirit 
and  eternal  power,  and  all  I  have  I  have  received  from  him,  and  I  have 
nothing  to  boast  of  but  in  the  Lord  and  his  mercies,  which  endure  for- 
ever; in  whose  salvation  I  rejoice,  and  in  his  fear  I  delight.  And  Lord, 
'  let  me  never  forget  thy  name,  nor  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies  towards 
me,  and  towards  all  thy  people ;  but  let  me  ever  give  thanks  to  thee, 
in  the  lively  remembrance  of  them,  who  is  setting  a  remnant  as  watch- 
men upon  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  who  cannot  hold  their  peace,  for  her 
sake,  day  nor  night,  till  she  is  made  the  praise  of  the  whole  earth,  and 
so  much  the  more  as  they  see  the  day  approaching,  though  their  life  is 
in  great  stillness.    And  I  could  be  content  to  be  silent,  but  I  must  obey 
his  requirings,  or  I  cannot  be  clear  in  his  sight.    And  I  know,  to  this 
end  hath  he  preserved  me  to  this  day  and  hour,  in  the  secret  of  his 
pavilion:  blessed  be  his  name  forever. 

Into  whose  hand  I  freely  commit  my  soul  and  body,  and  all  that  he 
hath  given  me,  and  all  his  dear  people  every  where,  to  be  disposed  at 
his  good  will  and  pleasure ;  in  which  I  feel  my  reward  w7ith  me,  and  my 
witness  is  in  heaven,  and  the  true  joy  of  the  Lord  is  in  my  heart  as  an 
open  fountain,  which  none  knows  but  the  redeemed  from  the  earth; 
and  yet  I  am  daily  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  well  acquainted  with  griefs, 
for  the  redemption  of  his  seed  in  captivity,  and  for  the  whole  creation, 
that  groaneth  under  the  bondage  of  corruption;  but  in  all  estates  I  have 
learned  to  be  content,  knowing  the  Lord  is  with  me,  and  hears,  and  in 
due  time  will  answer  the  breathings  of  his  own;  to  whom  be  the  glory, 
dominion  and  praises,  now  and  forevermore.  Amen. 

I  am  your  dear  brother  and  companion,  who  suffer  with  patience  for 
the  everlasting  truth  of  God,  which  must  spread  over  all  the  earth) 


292 


and  be  established  on  the  top  of  all  mountains,  in  which  I  bid  you  fare- 
well. 

William  Bayly. 

From  Hartford,  where  I  remain  a  prisoner  for  the 
testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  26th  of  the  6th  Month, 
1664. 

Some  words  of  warning  and  exhortation  unto  all  young  people  and 
children,  throughout  the  whole  ivorld.  Given  forth  in  tender  love 
to  their  immortal  souls,  by  William  Bayly. 

Hearken,  ye  children,  and  give  heed  with  diligence  unto  the  words  of 
truth,  and  incline  your  ear  to  instruction,  and  learn  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
which  is  the  entrance  of  the  path  of  wisdom,  which  leads  to  a  holy 
and  harmless  life,  without  which,  no  man  shall  enjoy  peace  with  God. 
For,  vanity  shall  perish;  and  all  flesh  is  as  grass;  and  wickedness  will 
destroy  the  workers  thereof;  and  sinners  shall  be  shaken  out  of  the  world, 
and  chased  as  chaff  before  the  whirlwind,  into  the  pit  that  is  bottomless. 
For  God  is  angry  with  them  every  day,  and  he  hath  determined  to  de- 
stroy them  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth.    Though  for  a  moment  they 
may  flourish  in  pride  and  pleasures  like  a  bay  tree,  yet  their  end  ap- 
proacheth,  which  will  be  bitter  as  wormwood,  and  the  reward  of  their 
works  shall  then  be  given  them,  because  they  did  not  choose  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  neither  turned  at  his  secret  reproofs,  but  rejected  his  holy 
counsels,  and  set  at  nought  all  his  visitations  and  warnings,  and  despised 
his  servants  and  messengers,  and  persecuted  his  harmless  people,  and 
despitefully  used  his  tender  children,  and  spoiled  the  upright  in  heart, 
and  repented  not  of  their  evil  deeds.    Therefore  will  the  Lord  have 
them  in  derision,  and  vex  them  in  his  sore  displeasure,  and  laugh  at 
their  calamity  when  their  fears  and  terrors  come  upon  them  like  an 
armed  man;  then,  if  they  shall  cry  Lord,  Lord,  unto  him,  his  answer  will 
be,  depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of  iniquity,  into  everlasting  torment, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels.    This  is  the  lot  of  the  wicked, 
and  the  portion  of  such  as  forget  God.    And  these  words,  ye  tender 
children,  are  infallibly  true,  and  speak  as  the  oracle  of  God  unto  you. 
Therefore,  happy  are  ye  that  believe  and  understand,  and  take  warning 
betimes,  and  obey  the  witness  of  God  in  you,  which  sets  to  the  seal,  that 
these  sayings  are  true  and  faithful.    And  remember  your  creator  in  the 
days  of  your  youth,  before  these  evil  days  come  and  overtake  you,  in 
which  many  shall  say,  "I  have  no  pleasure  in  them."    Whose  pleasure 


293 


will  then  be  taken  away,  and  their  vain  delights  will  be  bitter  unto 
them,  and  their  lying  down  will  be  in  sorrow  and  utter  darkness,  where 
will  be  wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth  forevermore.  O  ye  children  and 
young  people!  both  male  and  female,  bond  and  free,  rich  and  poor,  that 
ye  would  consider  these  things,  and  truly  lay  them  to  heart,  and  think 
of  your  latter  end,  and  how  that  God  will  bring  you  to  judgment  for  all 
your  ways,  and  you  must  give  account  to  him  for  all  your  words  and 
actions.  And  that  foolish  heart,  or  spirit  of  vanity,  which  persuades 
you  the  contrary,  is  not  of  God,  but  of  the  wicked  one,  the  enemy  of 
your  immortal  souls,  even  of  the  old  serpent,  which  beguiled  man  at  the 
first  with  flattery  and  deceit,  and  caused  the  curse,  death,  and  sorrow 
to  come  upon  him,  which  the  Lord  will  consume  and  destroy  with  all 
his  works,  and  them  that  obey  and  follow  him. 

Therefore  beware,  and  turn  your  minds  to  the  grace  of  God,  which 
hath  appeared  unto  you  and  to  all  people,  which  shows  you  the  evil  of 
your  ways,  and  secretly  reproves  you  for  the  same.  And  this  is  suffi- 
cient to  save  you,  and  keep  you  from  the  evil,  and  to  give  you  an  en- 
trance into  his  everlasting  kingdom,  where  no  unclean  thing  or  worker 
of  iniquity  can  enter.  For  it  will  lead  you  and  preserve  you  out  of  all 
*  iniquity  and  vanity,  pride  and  enmity,  (the  ground  of  the  curse  and 
condemnation,)  as  you  give  diligent  heed  unto  it,  and  obey  it ;  and  it 
will  teach  you  to  live  soberly,  tenderly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this 
present  evil  world.  And  none  are  the  disciples  of  Christ  Jesus,  but 
such  as  thus  follow  him  in  the  regeneration,  being  changed  from  the 
old  root  and  leven  of  malice  and  wickedness,  into  love,  meekness, 
truth,  and  righteousness.  Though  wicked  and  ungodly  men  and  people 
may  profess  his  name  in  words,  yet  that  avails  not ;  except  they  come 
to  be  converted,  they  shall  never  see  life,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth 
on  them.  For  it  is  neither  circumcision  nor  uncircumcision,  nor  any  out- 
side profession  in  words  and  show  only,  that  avails  any,  but  a  new  crea- 
ture, and  that  faith  which  worketh  by  love,  through  which  the  enmity 
comes  to  be  slain,  and  the  old  man  put  off  with  his  deeds,  and  the  world 
overcome,  and  all  the  devil's  temptations  therein  vanquished.  For  Christ 
Jesus  is  the  truth,  which  condemns  and  destroys  the  devil  and  his  works, 
who  was  a  liar  from  the  beginning.  And  when  he  speaks  a  lie,  he 
speaks  of  himself,  for  he  is  the  father  of  it.  But  that  which  reproves 
and  condemns  the  lie  and  the  liar,  is  Christ,  the  light  of  the  world,  which 
lighteth  every  one  that  cometh  into  the  world;  and  whatsoever  maketh 
these  things  manifest,  is  the  true  light  that  comes  from  Christ  Jesus,  the 
saviour.  Therefore,  ye  tender  children,  take  heed  to  which  of  these  ye 
hearken,  for  all  unrighteousness,  vanity,  and  wickedness,  as,  lying,  pride, 
wantonness,  frowardness,  and  corrupt  communication,  and  the  like,  are  of 
the  devil ;  but  that  which  discovers  it,  and  reproves  it,  and  begets  a  se- 


294 


cret  fear  and  blushing  in  your  hearts,  though  no  mortal  eye  seeth  you, 
because  hereof,  and  leads  the  mind  away  from  it,  into  all  truth,  is  the 
truth  itself,  which  makes  his  children  free  from  unrighteousness,  and 
saves  them  from  sin,  and  keeps  them  out  of  the  world's  evils,  and  pre- 
serves them  in  himself,  in  whom  is  found  no  guile,  who  said,  "My  sheep 
hear  my  voice,  I  know  them,  and  they  follow  me,  and  I  give  unto  them 
eternal  life ;  but  a  stranger  they  will  not  follow."  So,  they  are  only 
the  sheep  of  Christ,  who  follow  him  who  is  the  truth,  and  will  not  fol- 
low the  stranger,  the  liar;  and  to  such  only  he  gives  the  eternal  life.  But 
wicked,  rebellious,  and  ungodly  people,  who  profess  themselves  chris- 
tians, and  yet  live  in  enmity,  pride,  vanity,  and  oppression,  are  none  of  his 
sheep,  neither  have  they  the  sheep's  life,  which  is  eternal ;  but  are  of  a 
contrary  spirit,  life,  and  nature,  and  by  the  spirit  of  God,  which  seeth 
through  the  root  of  all  things,  and  nameth  them  according  to  their  na- 
tures, they  are  rightly  called,  dogs,  swine,  goats,  ravening  wolves,  vipers, 
foxes,  and  serpents,  which  is  agreeable  to  the  nature  and  life  they  live 
and  act  in,  and  the  fruits  they  bring  forth:  and  accordingly  will  God  judge 
all  people,  and  not  according  to  their  lip-profession  of  his  name,  but  ac- 
cording to  the  nature,  root,  ground,  and  works  they  are  found  in.  So, 
that  saying,  Lord,  Lord,  will  not  avail,  or  save  any  worker  of  iniquity 
from  receiving  a  just  recompense  of  reward  for  all  his  doings.  For  he 
that  lives  in  pride  and  wrathfulness,  is  as  a  beast  before  him,  yea,  an  evil 
beast.  And  he  that  lives  and  acts  in  subtlety,  craft,  and  fraud,  is  in  a 
fox's  nature;  and  such  as  persecute  and  oppress  the  innocent  and  harm- 
less people  in  the  land,  without  cause,  are  like  the  biting  dogs  among 
the  sheep  and  lambs,  and  no  true  christians,  not  like  Christ,  who  came 
to  save  life,  and  not  to  destroy  it.  But  such  destroy  without  mercy, 
being  filled  with  envy  and  rage  against  them  and  the  way  of  truth ; 
under  whose  tongues  is  the  poison  of  asps,  and  the  venom  of  vipers  and 
serpents  is  in  their  hearts;  and  such  as  live  and  wallow  in  profaneness, 
drunkenness,  swearing,  whoredom,  and  lasciviousness,  abusing  and  de- 
vouring God's  creatures  upon  their  ungodly  lusts,  are  worse  than  swine, 
or  the  beasts  of  the  field,  who  keep  in  the  course  of  nature's  bounds. 
But  these  break  all  bounds  and  limits  of  God  and  sober  men  and  peo- 
ple, and  of  nature  itself:  these  are  evil  beasts,  ungodly  men,  turning  the 
grace  and  mercies  of  God  into  wantonness,  who  of  old  were  ordained 
unto  condemnation,  and  whose  judgment  doth  not  slumber,  nor  their 
damnation  linger,  though  they  perceive  it  not.  And  such  as  are  covet- 
ous, and  greedy  of  gain,  are  in  the  excess  and  idolatry;  and  such  as  op- 
press people  for  filthy  lucre,  and  to  spend  it  on  their  lusts  and  plea- 
sures, let  them  be  teachers,  rulers,  or  any  others,  they  are  in  the  na- 
ture of  wolves,  that  rave,  or  like  the  unclean  birds  of  prey,  that  devour 


295 


the  weaker  and  inferior  sort  to  satisfy  their  cruel  and  greedy  appetite. 
But  all  these  will  God  bring  into  righteous  judgment,  and  judge  and  re- 
ward them  according  to  their  deeds,  and  not  according  to  their  out- 
ward profession  of  him  or  his  name,  in  words,  which  will  be  dreadful 
to  them  when  they  shall  give  up  their  accounts  in  horror,  blackness, 
trembling,  and  astonishment,  at  his  righteous  judgment-seat,  where  their 
conscience  will  accuse  them  to  their  face,  and  condemn  them  for  ever ; 
though  here  they  have  been  as  judges  and  lords  over  his  heritage,  ex- 
ercising their  cruelty  with  teeth  and  claws  for  a  season.    But  then  shall 
they  know,  that  our  God,  (who  are  despisedly  called  Quakers,)  will 
make  all  flesh  to  tremble  and  all  mockers,  scoffers,  persecutors,  and 
rebellious,  shall  quake  at  his  presence,  which  will  be  very  terrible  and 
dreadful  to  all  the  ungodly,  who  must  be  banished  from  his  glory  into 
everlasting  misery,  and  endless  torment  and  perplexity,  out  of  which 
there  will  be  no  redemption.    Then  shall  they  look  back,  and  remem- 
ber how  they  sat  plotting  in  counsel  against  his  innocent  and  harmless 
people,  to  make  their  unrighteous  laws  and  decrees,  to  vex  the  upright 
in  heart,  and  to  oppress  and  suppress  the  righteous  seed,  whom  the 
Lord  hath  blessed  with  everlasting  blessings.    And  the  day  will  come 
*  that  many  shall  see  afar  off*  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all  the 
faithful,  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  they  themselves  shut  out;  for 
"  without  are  dogs,  whoremongers,  abominable,  and  liars,  and  every  one 
that  loveth  and  maketh  a  lie."    Then  shall  be  read  the  parable  of  the 
rich  glutton,  and  poor  afflicted  Lazarus,  who  was  carried  into  Abra- 
ham's bosom,  while  the  other  lay  in  hell  torments,  in  great  flames, 
where  their  worm  never  dies,  nor  the  fire  ever  goeth  out. 

So,  consider  these  things,  O  ye  children  and  all  people,  while  ye  have 
a  little  time,  and  fear  the  Lord,  and  depart  from  evil,  and  wait  upon 
God  in  his  counsel,  the  light  which  makes  all  things  manifest,  and  is  the 
truth,  thereby  to  be  taught  and  guided.  And  let  not  any  thing  of  vanity 
or  vain  words,  or  vain  and  foolish  company  draw  forth  your  tender 
minds  from  the  stayedness  in  that  which  shows  you,  that  you  should  be 
sober  and  meek,  and  fear  God,  and  do  no  evil,  nor  speak  a  lie  or  cor- 
rupt words;  and  then  you  will  be  kept  in  the  sense  and  remembrance 
of  your  Creator,  and  mindful  of  your  latter  end,  and  of  his  just  judgments, 
who  will  reward  every  one  as  his  works  shall  be.  And  as  ye  obey  his 
voice,  by  forsaking  your  evil  ways,  you  will  partake  of  his  tender  mer- 
cies and  loving  kindness ;  but  he  that  hardeneth  himself  against  his  gen- 
tle reproofs  of  instruction,  which  is  the  way  of  life,  shall  suddenly  fall 
into  mischief.  And  this  I  give  forth  and  testify,  as  an  ambassador  from 
God  unto  you  all,  in  true  love  to  your  souls;  and  it  is  from  one  who  hath 
known  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  against  all  unrighteousness,  and  vanity, 
both  in  word  and  deed,  of  what  kind  soever;  but  have  obtained  mercy, 


296 


through  forsaking  the  same,  by  true  and  unfeigned  repentance,  whkb 
by  me  is  never  to  be  repented  of;  but  I  am  made  willing  and  obedient 
to  do  his  will,  or  suffer  all  kind  of  trials  and  tribulations  whatsoever  for 
his  sake  in  whom  I  have  believed ;  who  since  the  days  of  my  infancy, 
till  I  became  a  man,  and  after  that,  till  I  believed  and  embraced  his 
precious  truth,  did  follow  me  with  secret  reproofs  and  righteous  judg- 
ments for  those  things,  which  no  mortal  eye  might  see  or  did  accuse  me 
of,  but  from  this  secret  pursuer  I  could  never  flee.  For  when  I  had 
been  proud,  or  wild,  or  had  told  a  lie,  being  persuaded  by  the  wicked 
one  within,  like  the  serpent  of  old,  that  it  would  be  believed  and 
pass  for  truth,  yet  at  the  same  instant  was  I  secretly  smitten  with  fear 
and  trembling  by  something  also  within  me,  which  showed  me  plainly, 
that  1  had  done  wickedly.  And  I  was  judged  and  condemned  by  it  in 
my  own  conscience,  not  then  knowing  that  it  was  God's  own  faithful 
witness,  the  light,  which  knoweth  all  things,  and  searcheth  the  heart 
and  trieth  the  reins  of  every  one,  till  at  length,  it  not  leaving  me  in  quiet, 
by  the  power  of  its  judgments  and  secret  smitings  it  broke  my  hard 
heart,  out  of  which  rock  did  living  water  spring  forth  to  the  refreshing 
of  my  troubled  soul,  which  had  long  suffered,  and  been  oppressed, 
through  my  often  rebellions  against  God,  my  maker.  So  that  I  can  set 
to  my  seal,  that  the  proverb  is  true,  "Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence; 
for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life;"  for  hereby  my  thirsty  soul  was  begot- 
ten into  some  breathings  and  tenderness  towards  God  and  good  people, 
though  few  there  were  in  those  days  that  truly  knew  and  obeyed  the 
Lord.  And  as  I  was  faithful  at  any  time,  in  what  I  knew  to  be  his 
will,  either  to  do  or  leave  undone,  accordingly  did  the  Lord  give  me 
dominion,  peace,  and  joy  in  himself,  whereby  my  heart  became  more 
and  more  engaged  to  obey  and  follow  his  counsel,  till  the  strength  of 
his  love  was  so  increased  therein,  that  many  a  time  1  could  truly  say,  I 
loved  not  my  life  unto  death  for  his  sake ;  whose  tender  love  remaineth 
the  same  to  this  day  to  me,  and  to  all  that  fear  and  obey  him  in  truth. 

So,  ye  tender  children,  in  soberness  these  things  consider;  for  they 
appertain  unto  your  eternal  happiness.  And  do  not  think  slightly  of  them; 
for  they  will  stand  true  for  ever,  when  all  vanity  shall  have  an  end.  But 
be  ye  seriously  minded,  and  ponder  them  in  your  hearts,  when  ye  are 
alone  by  yourselves;  and  remember,  that  all  vain  pleasure  will  shortly 
have  an  end,  and  the  glory  of  this  world  will  vanish  away,  but  righteous- 
ness will  abide  for  ever;  and  righteous  men  shall  not  always  suffer,  but  the 
Lord  will  reward  them  with  everlasting  peace  and  comfort,  when  their 
days  of  mourning  are  ended.  And  remember,  that  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is 
the  beginning  of  true  wisdom,  which  is  justified  of  her  own  children, 
though  not  of  the  children  of  this  world,  who  are  wise  in  their  genera- 
tion to  do  evil,  being  generated  by  the  seed  of  evil  doers,  which  the 


297 


enemy  hath  sown  in  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  disobedience,  whereby 
they  go  astray  from  the  womb.  But  let  it  be  not  so  with  you ;  but 
remember  your  latter  end,  and  that  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  near,  in 
which  ye  must  give  up  your  accounts.  And  so,  fear  before  him,  and 
depart  from  evil ;  and  this  is  the  way  of  life,  and  the  path  of  everlasting 
peace;  but  the  wages  of  sin  and  vanity  is  death,  condemnation  and  de- 
struction eternally. 

So,  I  have  set  before  your  eyes  life  and  death,  good  and  evil,  the  way 
of  the  blessing  and  the  way  and  cause  of  the  curse  and  everlasting 
misery:  and  do  now  leave  you  all  to  God's  faithful  witness  in  your  own 
consciences,  which  seeth  in  secret,  and  rips  open  your  inward  parts, 
which  are  naked  and  bare  before  him,  from  whose  pure  presence  no 
secret  thought  or  work  can  be  hid.  And  I  am  now  thus  far  clear  of  all 
your  blood,  having  sufficiently  warned  and  exhorted  you,  in  pure  love 
to  all  your  souls,  that  you  might  flee  from  the  wrath  which  is  coming 
as  a  -flood  upon  all  the  world  of  the  ungodly. 

And  I  remain  a  true  lover  of  the  eternal  welfare  of  the  souls  of  all 
mankind,  (and  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth  in  his 
iniquity,  but  rather  desiring,  that  he  might  repent,  and  turn  from  his 
*  evil  ways  and  live,)  and  am  well  known  to  the  Lord,  and  to  such  as 
walk  in  his  everlasting  light. 

William  Bayly. 

From  my  prison  at  Hartford,  the  Fifth  month,  16(54. 

Hear  me*ri*ow,  therefore,  O  ye  children,  and  depart  not  from  the 
words  of  my  mouth.  Prov.  v.  7. 

The  way  of  life  is  above  to  the  wise,  that  he  may  depart  from  hell 
beneath.  Prov.  xv.  24. 


3S 


For  the  King  and  Parliament,  and  his  council  an  d  teachers,  and  to 
every  individual  person,  superior  and  inferior,  throughout  the 
English  nation,  that  have  a  hand  against  the  innocent  people  of 
God,  called  Quakers;  one  visitation  and  warning  more  from  the 
Lord  unto  you. 


Friends, — The  God  of  heaven  hath  put  it  into  my  heart  to  write  a 
few  words  unto  you,  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  his  name,  and  in  the  coun- 
sel of  his  own  will,  concerning  the  work  which  ye  have  taken  in  hand 
against  him  and  his  people.  This  is  not  the  end  and  work  for  which  the 
Lord  God  hath  permitted  you  into  the  places  of  government  and  rule,  in 
these  nations,  nor  the  way  for  you  to  prosper,  nor  to  prolong  your  days 
in  the  earth,  thus  to  persecute  and  afflict  an  innocent  and  harmless 
people,  who  are  peaceable,  and  walk  uprightly  towards  God  and  man 
therein,  endeavouring  in  all  things  to  keep  their  consciences  void  of 
offence,  and  who  have  no  helper  in  the  earth  but  the  Lord  alone,  neither 
is  their  kingdom  of  this  world,  but  they  are  verily  the  children  and  ser- 
vants of  the  most  high  God,  whom  he  hath  gathered  from  amongst  men, 
and  from  the  kindreds  of  the  earth,  to  be  the  first  fruits  unto  him,  and 
to  the  lamb,  in  this  age.  And  we  are  his,  and  not  our  own ;  he  hath 
bought  us,  and  redeemed  us  unto  himself,  and  to  him  jjone  have  we 
committed  our  innocent  cause,  ami  he  hath  undertaken  to  plead  it  for 
us,  with  all  our  adversaries;  and  no  Weapon  formed  against  us  shatf 
ever  prosper,  but  be  broken  to  pieces.  * 

Therefore,  friends,  be  awakened  and  open  your  eyes,  and  see  what 
a  stir  and  ado  here  is  in  this  nation,  to  hale  and  drag  up  and  down  a 
company  of  tender,  innocent,  harmless  people,  men,  and  women,  and 
children,  from  their  peaceable  meetings;  who  meet  together  in  the  fear 
and  tender  love  of  God,  without  any  evil  or  bad  intent  toward  any,  but 
have  good  will  and  compassion  toward  all  men,  even  to  the  worst  of  our 
enemies,  as  the  Lord  bears  us  witness ;  and  these  are  they  that  are 
driven  as  sheep  to  the  slaughter,  and  thrown  into  your  noisome  jails, 
and  prisons,  and  houses  of  correction,  by  rude  and  brutish  people,  (your 
servants,)  whom  ye  have  set  on  work  by  your  authority,  till  many  of 
them  have  patiently  suffered  till  death,  whose  innocent  blood  will  as 
suredly  be  required  at  your  hands,  though  they  shall  not  go  frefeof  the 
guilt  who  have  had  the  least  hand  in  it,  without  speedy  repentance. 
And  thus  ye  may  see  and  read,  how  the  disciples  of  Christ  lesAis  are  a* 


2m 

sheep  ;md  lambs  in  the  midst  of  wolves  in  this  age,  and  as  a  lily  among 
thorns,  and  all  this  is  only  for  obeying  his  commands,  and  for  worship- 
ping the  everlasting,  invisible  God  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth,  accord- 
ing to  the  scriptures,  the  which  if  ye  knew  and  understood,  you  would 
tremble  to  think  what  you  have  done  against  them,  to  cause  so  many 
of  the  little  ones,  which  believe  in  Christ,  so  grievously  to  suffer,  who 
said,  "  it  were  better  a  mill  stone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  he 
drowned  in  the  depth  of  the  sea,  that  should  offend  one  of  these  little 
ones,  that  believe  in  me."  And  as  true  as  Christ  Jesus  suffered,  and  rose 
again,  and  as  God  liveth,  who  raised  him  from  the  dead,  we  are  some 
of  those  his  little  ones  that  believe  in  him,  who,  in  derision  and  scorn  in 
this  age,  are  called  Quakers,  as  ye  might  call  Moses,  the  prophets,  and 
apostles,  in  days  past,  who  did  quake  and  tremble  at  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  who  is  the  same  now  as  ever  he  was,  though  the  ungodly  know 
him  not,  nor  his  power.  And  we  are  of  that  poor  and  afflicted  people 
mentioned,*  "  whose  trust  is  only  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  will  undo 
all  their  oppressors  at  this  the  return  of  their  captivity."! 

But  what  shall  I  say  unto  you?  If  ye  will  not  or  cannot  believe  our 
faithful  testimony,  or  the  testimony  of  God  through  us,  and  the  inno- 
cency  of  our  cause  and  sufferings,  neither  will  ye  believe,  if  one  should 
rise  from  the  dead  and  declare  it  unto  you.  For  many  tender  visitations, 
and  timely  warnings,  and  gentle  reprehensions  have  you  had  from  the 
pure  spirit  of  the  Lord  God,  both  from  his  witness  in  your  own  con- 
sciences, and  from  his  faithful  servants  and  messengers,  who  have  written 
and  declared  unto  you  in  his  name  and  power  in  this  your  day.  And  as 
for  my  part  who  am  one  of  the  least  of  the  thousands  of  Israel,  1  could 
willingly  have  been  silent  as  toward  you  at  this  time,  but  the  Lord  whom 
I  serve  in  my  spirit,  hath  laid  it  upon  me  to  warn  you  once  more,  (for 
whose  sakes  I  have  borne  a  burthen,)  in  the  true  sight  and  sense  of  your 
sad  estate,  and  of  the  day  of  thick  darkness,  wrath,  and  distress,  which 
is  hastening  upon  you  from  the  Almighty. 

Wherefore,  be  not  proud  nor  rebellious,  but  hear  and  obey  the  word 
of  the  Lord.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  that  made  heaven  and  earth, 
let  my  innocent  people  alone,  and  touch  them  not  any  more,  as  ye  have 
done;  for  they  are  mine,  and  I  have  called  them,  and  chosen  them,  and 
redeemed  them.  They  are  my  jewels,  which  I  am  making  up,  they 
shall  show  forth  my  glory  before  men  to  the  whole  world.  I  have 
anointed  them,  and  I  will  preserve  them  and  deliver  them,  and  crown 
them  witli  an  everlasting  salvation.  I  will  rebuke  kings  and  rulers  for 
their  sakes,  and  distress  nations,  and  dethrone  the  mighty  from  their 
seats  that  rise  up  against  them,  as  I  have  done.  And  let  my  everlasting 


Zeph.  iii.  12. 


f  Efcr.  6,  20. 


300 


gospel  have  a  free  passage  in  these  nations,  and  do  not  reproach  and 
afflict  my  servants  and  messengers  so  any  more,  whom  I  have  chosen 
and  sent  to  preach  and  declare  the  way  of  life  and  salvation  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth ;  but  bow  your  ear  and  your  heart  unto  them  and  their 
testimony,  that  it  may  be  well  with  you,  and  prolong  your  days.  For 
he  that  blesseth  them  shall  be  blessed,  and  he  that  curseth  them  shall 
be  cursed,  and  every  hand  shall  wither  that  opposeth  them,  as  hath 
been,  and  shall  be,  henceforth  for  ever.    I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it. 

But  and  if  you  will  not  hear,  but  will  still  persist,  and  go  on,  as  ye 
have  done,  to  oppress  my  heritage  and  harmless  people,  and  make  war 
and  opposition  against  my  power  and  truth,  and  thus  set  yourselves  and 
your  power  against  me,  the  living  God,  I  will  bring  you  down  suddenly, 
to  the  astonishment  of  nations,  and  I  will  cut  your  day  short,  and  turn 
your  pleasures  into  howling  and  lamentation,  and  shame  and  contempt 
shall  cover  your  memorial  as  a  garment.  Thus  will  I  work  for  the  de- 
liverance of  my  seed,  and  none  shall  let  it.  For  the  year  of  my  redeem- 
ed is  come,  and  the  day  of  vengeance  is  in  my  heart,  to  plead  its  cause 
with  all  flesh. 

Therefore  consider  your  ways,  and  see  what  ye  are  doing,  and  what 
the  effect  of  this  your  work  will  be.  Ye  are  but  men,  and  the  children 
of  men,  who  were  but  as  yesterday.  Your  breath  also  is  in  your  nostrils, 
and  your  life  is  but  a  vapour,  which  will  soon  vanish  away.  You  la- 
bour in  the  very  fire,  and  bring  forth  wind,  which  blows  up  the  flame 
of  that  which  will  consume  you,  and  deprive  you  of  all  happiness  for  ever. 
Oh  that  ye  had  but  hearts  to  consider  it !  For  the  more  you  strive  with 
the  Lord,  and  oppress  his  people,  the  more  will  they  multiply,  and  grow 
stronger  and  stronger,  and  you  shall  wax  weaker  and  weaker,  and  your 
works  shall  be  your  heavy  burden.  For  life  and  immortality  are  risen,  and 
the  power  of  God  is  stirring  in  the  hearts  of  thousands,  and  light  and  un- 
derstanding, (the  excellent  spirit  which  was  in  Daniel,)  are  breaking  forth 
like  the  lightning  which  shines  out  of  the  east  into  the  west,  in  the  sight 
of  many  people,  whereby  they  know  it  js  the  day  of  the  coming  of  the 
son  of  man,  with  power  and  great  glory,  that  every  eye  may  see  him, 
and  they  that  have  pierced  him  shall  mourn  bitterly.  So,  your  labour 
is  in  vain,  and  your  works  for  the  fire,  and  your  striving  with  your 
Maker  to  no  purpose,  as  to  effect  your  end  and  aim.  And  of  these  things 
you  have  been  often  fore- warned,  and  the  Lord  hath  been  very  long- 
suffering  towards  you,  in  sparing  you  thus  long,  and  suffering  you  thus  far 
to  act  against  him  and  his  dear  people.  And  his  mercy  and  forbearanc  e 
have  been  evidently  showed  in  a  large  measure  unto  you,  in  deferring 
his  heavy  judgments  thus  long,  which  must  have  been  confessed  to  be  just 
upon  you.  And  will  you  thus  requite  the  Lord,  by  increasing  your  tasks 
of  oppression  upon  his  tender,  innocent  people  ?  O  unwise  and  ungrate- 


301 


ful  generation!  hath  not  God  yet  showed  you,  that  you  should  do  justly, 
and  love  mercy,  and  walk  humbly?*    But  are  these  your  fruits  and 
practices,  fruits  of  mercy  or  justice?    Or  if  there  be  any  tincture  or 
spark  of  love  or  humility  in  them,  let  God's  witness,  the  light,  in  all 
your  consciences,  and  in  people,  answer.    I  tell  you  plainly,  that  such 
fruits  and  doings  among  you,  that  profess  yourselves  christians,  have 
made  the  very  name  of  Christ  and  Christianity  a  proverb  of  reproach 
through  nations,  and  have  caused  the  God  of  heaven  to  be  blasphemed. 
And  how  could  it  be  otherwise,  seeing  you  who  profess  the  most  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  have  talked  of  converting  the  heathen,  as  some  of 
your  leaders  have  done,  are  found  the  least  in  the  life  and  fruits  thereof? 
But  to  what  would  they  convert  them?    To  pride,  and  swearing,  and 
drunkenness,  and  oppression,  and  all  manner  of  excess,  and  to  persecute 
people  for  their  good  consciences.  They  have  no  need  of  that,  for  some 
of  them  have  said,  they  did  not  use  to  swear,  and  be  drunk,  &c.  till 
they  came  among  the  christians,  and  learned  of  them ;  they  did  not  do 
so  in  their  own  country.    So  ye  are  far  from  converting  them,  being 
out  of  the  life  of  what  ye  profess  and  talk  of  yourselves,  that  the  very 
heathen  or  infidels,  as  ye  call  them,  do  judge  and  condemn  you ;  who 
•    are  making  inquiry  concerning  these  your  proceedings  against  this 
harmless  people,  among  whom  some  of  them  have  been  kindly  entreated, 
who  visited  them  at  the  Lord's  requiring,  though  contrary  in  opinion 
and  religion.    And  this  doth  rise  up  in  judgment  against  you. 

But  friends,  have  not  you  yourselves  been  under  sufferings,  and  some 
of  you  been  driven  into  strange  countries  or  lands,  for  your  cause,  as  it 
was  called?  Nay,  did  not  the  king  himself  once  flee  for  refuge  to  a  tree, 
to  save  himself  from  his  enemies' hands?  If  not,  why  are  there  such 
representations  made  of  it,  in  so  many  places  in  the  nation?  And  was 
not  this  a  great  mercy  and  deliverance  from  God,  so  to  obscure  and  pre- 
serve him  from  them  who  pursued  him,  and  many  of  you  also?  And 
are  these  things  forgotten?  Can  mercy  be  loved  except  it  be  remem- 
bered? And  do  you  remember  and  love  his  mercies  by  doing  justly, 
and  walking  humbly  with  him,  as  he  doth  require?  Or  do  you  boast  in 
a  vain  glory,  as  if  your  own  arm  had  done  it,  or^rour  own  strength  or  , 
deserts  had  delivered  you?  If  so,  then  God  must  needs  be  forgotten, 
and  his  mercies  trod  under  foot,  and  his  visitations  and  counsels  cast  be- 
hind your  back.  And  so,  "All  that  forget  God  shall  be  torn  in  pieces, 
and  there  shall  be  none  to  deliver  them,"f  as  it  is  written. 

And  were  these  your  sufferings,  which  you  sustained  by  them  ye  op- 
posed, unjust  and  unequal?  And  if  you  should  say  they  were,  then  I 
say  it  is  much  more  unjust  and  very  unequal  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  all 


*  Mich.  vi.  S.         |  Psal.  v. 


^02 

sober  people  that  fear  him,  for  you  thus  to  inllict  mch  cruel  sufferings, 
as  imprisoning  and  stilling  to  death  in  your  noisome  jails  and  holes, 
among  thieves  and  murderers,  and  to  pronounce  sentence  of  banishment 
upon  an  innocent,  harmless,  peaceable  people,  that  do  not  oppose  you 
in  the  least  with  any  outward  force,  neither  do  so  much  as  the 
thoughts  of  it  lodge  within  our  breasts,  as  the  Lord  God  knoweth,  who 
hath,  called  us  to  peace,  but  on  the  contrary,  have  sought  and  do  seek 
your  welfare  and  happiness,  both  in  this  world  and  in  the  world  to  come, 
which  in  time  shall  he  manifest  to  the  whole  earth. 

And  if  you  say  your  sufferings  were  unjust  and  unequal,  though  you 
did  oppose  them,  and  make  war  against  them  so  long  as  you  could,  be- 
cause they  deprived  you  of  your  rights  and  privileges,  and  just  liberties, 
and  natural  birth-rights,  &c.  which  were  your  due  to  enjoy,  as  being 
free-born  of  the  nation,  then  how  much  more  is  it  unjust,  and  unequal, 
and  unrighteous,  thus  to  indict  sufferings  upon  your  friends,  and  oppress 
your  peaceable  neighbours,  who  are  free-born  people  of  the  same  na- 
tion, and  do  not  oppose  you,  but  arc  tender  towards  you,  as  aforesaid, 
and  subject  to  all  wholesome,  just  laws,  and  tributary  to  you ;  for  which 
causes  we  ought  to  have  our  just  liberty,  and  enjoy  the  privilege  of  our 
birth-right,  which  is  our  due,  so  long  as  we  live  peaceably  and  harm- 
lessly. But  if  it  be  not  a  privilege  to  be  pleaded  for,  then  are  all  your 
own  grounds,  and  reasons,  and  cause,  without  a  foundation,  and  you  and 
the  whole  nation  may  he  swept  away  by  any  that  are  able  to  do  it, 
without  being  charged  with  injustice  or  oppression,  which  is  contrary 
to  the  just  balance,  the  light  of  Christ,  in  all  people's  consciences.  And 
as  we  are  the  dearly  beloved  people  of  the  most  high  God,  who  doth 
bless  us  with  his  presence,  and  manifest  his  everlasting  love  and  good 
will  towards  us  daily,  and  overshadow  us  with  his  power  and  tender 
mercies,  whom  he  hath  gathered  out  of  the  evil  ways  and  spirit  of  this 
world,  and  all  the  vanities  thereof,  unto  himself,  to  walk  with  him  who 
is  invisible  in  the  upright,  blameless,  undefiled  life,  in  the  midst  of  a 
crooked  and  perverse  generation;  I  say,  considering  these  things,  how 
greatly  and  unrighteously  do  our  sufferings  appear  to  all  sober  people, 
whose  eyes  are  open*  and  will  be  more  open  to  discern  and  savour  the 
bitterness  of  that  proud,  envious,  wrathful  spirit,  which  thus  hath  aeted 
and  deceived  you.  And  its  end  is  numbered  by  them  that  have  wisdom 
from  above. 

For,  friends,  set  aside  the  reproachful  name  of  Quakers,  and  the  other 
titles  of  derision  and  scorn  which  the  envious  and  blood-thirsty  spirit 
hath  invented  to  render  the  people  of  God  odious  in  all  ages,  and  tell 
me  what  ye  have  justly  to  charge  against  this  people,  whom  you  so  fu- 
riously pursue  to  the  dens  and  eaves  of  (he  earth,  to  the  loss  of  fin 
lives  of  so  many  of  them;  by  which  children  are  made  fatherless,  and 


tender  hearted  women,  mournful  widows?    And  let  it  rome  forth  to 
open  view,  and  declare  it  abroad,  as  your  articles  against  them,  to  the 
whole  world,  and  speak  the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  as  you 
used  to  tell  one  another,  that  all  people  may  rightly  know  and  under- 
stand the  very  ground  and  most  secret  cause,  (who  do  inquire,)  of  these 
your  present  proceedings  against  them.    For  notice  is  taken  by  many, 
and  ere  long  it  must  be  manifest  to  all  men,  as  the  folly  and  madness  of 
Jannes  and  Jambres  were,  that  withstood  Moses.  For  you  withstand  no 
less  than  him  of  whom  Moses  wrote,  who  said,  "I  am  the  light  of  the 
world ;"  against  whom  Saul  was  once  exceedingly  mad,  and  had  thoughts 
to  do  very  much  against  that  way,  which  was  then  as  well  as  now  called 
heresy,  till  the  light  of  Jesus,  whom  he  persecuted,  met  with  him,  with 
his  letters  or  Warrants  to  hale  men  and  women  to  prison,  as  your  ser- 
vants do.  and  smote  him  to  the  ground,  and  made  him  tremble,  who 
from  that  time  became  such  a  quaker  as  you  now  persecute  and  impri- 
son till  death.    But  the  light  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  son  of  the  living  God, 
will  meet  with  all  persecutors  and  oppressors  about  religion,  let  them 
be  never  so  mad,  or  think  they  ought  to  do  much  against  that  way  they 
call  heresy,  as  some  of  you  have  said,  who  have  made  a  mock  at  the 
liiiht,  even  publicly,  which  many  took  notice  of,  and  even  marvelled  at 
such  blasphemy,  in  an  open  court,  against  the  saviour  of  the  world. 
And  there  is  no  other  name  under  heaven  by  which  men  shall  be  saved 
but  him  who  said,  "I  am  the  light  of  the  world,"  a  who  lighteth  every 
man  that  Cometh  into  the  world.''  * 

And  this  is  he  in  whom  we  have  believed,  and  of  whom  we  have  de- 
clared, and  must  declare  and  bear  testimony,  as  long  as  we  have  a  being, 
And  the  world  shall  know  that  our  testimony  is  true.  And  for  his  name 
and  truth  only,  do  we  thus  patiently  sutler  the  contradictions  of  sinners, 
as  our  brethren  did  by  the  zealous  Jews,  in  ages  past.  But  you  are  not 
so  zealous  for  Christ'-  law  and  commandments^ as  they  were  of  Moses 
and  the  prophets^  which  Christ  ends  and  fulfils,  who  thought  it  was  not 
lawful  to  do  good  on  the  Sabbath  day,  as  to  heal  the  sick;  for  then 
would  you  "do  to  all  men,  as  ye  would  they  should  do  to  you;"")"  for  his 
law  runs  thus:  and  "Be  you  merciful."  &c.  and  "Love  you  your  ene- 
mies," and  "Swear  not  at  all,"J  &c.  as  ye  may  read. 

But  behold,  how  both  Jews  and  (/entiles  take  notice,  and  are  asham- 
ed and  grieved,  to  hear  and  see  what  a  deal  of  bad  works  you  do,  even 
on  your  Sabbath  day,  as  some  of  you  call  it,  and  how  you  profane  the 
day  of  your  worship,  with  your  cattle  and  servants,  which  are  within 
your  gates,  What  riding,  and  running,  and  toiling,  in  rage  and  fury,  like 
mad  men.  sweating,  and  swearing,  and  Cursing,  and  drugging,  and  haling 

;  "*  John  viii.  12,  and  10  r  Luke  ix  t  Matt  v  34,  &c 


304 


the  innocent  members  of  Christ's  body,  out  of  their  peaceable  meeting*, 
into  your  jails  and  holes,  on  your  day  of  worship;  but  are  your  sacrifices 
ye  offer  at  that  time  accepted?  Have  ye  peace,  while  these  things 
are  acting  in  your  name,  and  by  your  authority?  If  ye  have  peace 
and  pleasure  herein,  let  me  tell  you  from  the  righteous  God,  vou  are 
hardened  in  your  sins  against  him,  and  he  will  break  your  peace  speed- 
ily, and  turn  your  pleasure  into  bitterness  and  lamentation.  And  his 
innocent  people's  meetings  shall  stand,  and  be  increased ;  and  their  way 
shall  prosper,  and  the  truth  shall  spread  and  prevail,  and  have  dominion 
over  all  nations;  and  their  enemies  shall  fall  and  be  confounded,  let 
them  strive  what  they  can  against  them.  For  they  are  of  God,  and 
not  of  man,  or  the  will  of  man,  and  they  seek  his  glory,  and  not  their 
own.  And  such  as  abide  faithful  to  him,  shall  triumph  over  all  the 
principalities  and  powers  of  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world, 
and  make  a  show  openly  of  the  victory  over  all  that  do  or¥may  oppose 
them.  For  their  life  is  immortal,  and  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  is 
their  strength,  who  is  with  them  as  a  mighty  terrible  one :  therefore 
shall  their  persecutors  fall  before  them. 

And  let  me  tell  you  again,  that  by  these  your  unreasonable  and  un- 
just dealings,  the  understandings  of  thousands  are  the  more  opened,  and 
the  tender,  sober  part,  or  principle  in  them,  doth  feel  the  weight  and 
burthen  of  this  grievousness,  which  you  have  prescribed,  and  do  so 
eagerly  pursue,  to  the  imprisoning  to  death  so  many  innocent  persons 
and  free-born  people  of  this  nation;  besides  hundreds  are  liable  to  the 
same,  which  yet  remain  in  your  prisons.  And  your  unnatural,  cruel 
sentence  of  banishment,  to  separate  dear  and  tender  husbands  from 
their  dear  and  tender  wives,  and  tender  children  and  little  innocent 
babes!  Oh  how  do  ye  rend  the  bowels  of  the  meek  of  the  earth,  whom 
God  hath  blessed!  What  is  become  of  all  your  promises  of  liberty  for 
tender  consciences?  God's  curse  and  vengeance  will  come  upon  you, 
and  his  plagues  will  pursue  you  to  destruction,  if  ye  proceed  in  this 
work;  and  your  wives  shall  be  widows,  and  your  children  fatherless. 
The  Lord  hath  spoken  it.  If  you  had  the  hearts  of  men,  or  of  flesh, 
ye  would  be  afraid,  and  blush  at  the  very  thoughts  hereof.  My  heart 
and  soul  melt  within  me,  and  I  am  even  bowed  down  with  cries  to 
God  in  my  spirit,  to  think  of  the  hardness  of  your  hearts. 

God  Almighty !  cut  short  thy  work  in  righteousness,  and  shorten  the 
days  of  oppression  and  cruelty  for  thine  elect's  sake,  which  cry  night 
and  day  unto  thee ;  and  make  known  thy  name  and  power  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth;  and  let  the  heathen  hear,  and  fear,  and  bow  to  thy  righte- 
ous sceptre!  And  let  the  kings  of  the  earth  lay  down  their  crowns  at 
the  feet  of  the  lamb,  that  through  thy  righteous  judgments  they  may 
partake  of  thy  tender  mercies,  which  endure  for  ever,  that  their  eye& 


305 


may  be  no  longer  withholden,  nor  blinded  by  the  god  of  this  world,  the 
power  and  prince  of  darkness,  but  that  they  might  come  to  see  thee, 
who  art  invisible,  and  enjoy  the  same  precious  life  of  pure,  unfeigned 
love  which  abounds  in  the  hearts  of  thy  hidden  ones,  and  receive  thy 
peaceable  wisdom,  to  be  governed,  and  to  govern  therein.  Then  would 
they  surely  know,  that  we  are  thine,  and  confess  to  thy  glorious  truth, 
and  speak  good  of  thy  name,  and  magnify  thy  power,  and  no  longer  count 
the  blood  of  thy  everlasting  covenant,  wherewith  we  are  sanctified,  as 
an  unholy  thing. 

But,  O  thou  righteous,  holy,  pure,  eternal  God,  thou  art  unknown  unto 
all  them,  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  dwell  in  the  spirit  of  enmity  against  thee 
and  thy  people,  though  thou  art  come  near  to  judgment,  according  to 
thy  promise,  Mai.  iii.  5.  And  thy  way  of  life  and  salvation  is  hid  from 
them,  therefore  they  hate  us  without  a  cause,  and  thus  evilly  entreat  us 
in  the  darkness  of  their  minds,  and  in  the  ignorance  and  hardness  of 
their  hearts,  for  which  my  soul  doth  pity  them,  and  even  entreat  thee 
for  them,  that  if  possible  their  eyes  may  be  yet  opened,  and  their  hearts 
softened,  and  their  spirits  humbled,  that  they  may  see  what  they  are 
doing  in  the  dark,  and  consider  the  effect  of  their  work,  which  will  as- 
suredly follow.  And  if  thy  warnings  and  gentle  visitations  will  not  hum- 
ble them,  then  let  thy  judgments  awaken  them,  and  bring  them  down, 
and  humble  them,  that  they  may  perceive  something  of  what  thou  art 
doing  in  these  latter  days,  and  art  resolved  to  do  to  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
though  the  whole  world  should  gather  and  band  together  to  oppose  thy 
work  and  people.  For  thou  hast  begun,  and  thou  wilt  go  through  and 
perfect  thy  work.  Thou  wilt  raise  thy  seed,  and  gather  thine  elect 
from  the  four  winds,  and  bring  them  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and 
scatter  the  proud  in  the  vain  imaginations  of  their  hearts;  and  thou  wilt 
break  thy  way  through  all  that  oppose  thee  in  this  the  day  of  thy  mighty 
power,  in  which  thou  art  arisen,  as  a  giant  to  run  his  race,  to  finish  trans- 
gression, and  make  an  end  of  sin,  and  bring  in  and  establish  everlasting 
righteousness,  that  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  may  become  thy  kingdoms, 
and  of  thy  Christ,  as  thou  hast  promised,  and  art  fulfilling.  Glory,  and 
honour,  and  thanks,  and  everlasting  praises  be  to  thy  glorious  name, 
world  without  end.  Amen. 

So  friends,  ye  are  and  have  been  warned,  again  and  again,  by  the 
faithful  messengers  and  servants  of  the  Lord,  in  love  to  your  souls.  And 
you  are  left  without  excuse,  if  never  words  more  should  be  mentioned 
unto  you;  by  which  ye  might  perceive,  how  the  Lord  doth  strive  with 
you,  that  ye  might  repent,  and  be  saved  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
though  some  of  you  feel  little  of  it  in  your  own  consciences ;  but  his 
spirit  will  not  always  strive  with  you.  For  if  you  will  not  believe 
them,  but  slight  and  reject  them,  and  neither  make  conscience  of  what 

39 


G06 


hath  proceeded  out  of  your  own  mouth,  nor  regard  to  perform  your 
own  words  and  public  engagements,  in  that  which  is  just,  which  the 
Lord  requireth  of  you,  nor  remember  his  by-past  and  present  mercies 
and  long  suffering  towards  you,  but  trample  all  under  foot:  I  say,  if  it 
be  thus  with  you,  and  you  are  resolved  to  go  on,  you  frill  wholly  be 
given  up,  and  be  exceedingly  hardened,  and  grow  desperate  in  cruelty 
and  oppression,  against  God  and  his  truth  and  people,  till  your  whole 
earth  is  filled  with  violence.  And  then  as  true  as  God  liveth  will  the 
flood  come  upon  you,  and  ye  shall  fall  after  the  manner  of  Egypt,  and 
the  weight  of  the  dreadful  judgments,  due  for  all  your  abominations  and 
cruelties,  shall  sink  you  down  into  the  pit  that  is  bottomless,  and  that 
suddenly,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

By  his  servant,  who  is  a  lover  of  the  welfare  of  all  your  souls,  and  I  am 
thus  far  clear  of  all  your  blood, 

William  Bayly. 

Written  in  the  Wth  Month,  1G64,  at  Hartford. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

The  sun  is  risen  up, 

Swiftly  to  run  his  race; 
Therefore  ye  vapouring  clouds  divide, 

And  unto  him  give  place: 
For,  it  is  his  right  to  reign, 

Who  rules  in  righteousness, 
Who  now  is  come  in  this  his  day, 

His  kingdom  to  possess. 

Amen. 


The  dreadful  and  terrible  day  o^  the  Lord  God,  to  overtake  this 
generation  suddenly,  once  more  proclaimed. 

Friends  and  people  every  where,  that  mention  the  name  of  the  Lord 
in  this  the  day  of  his  mighty  power,  in  which  he  will  work  wonders;  thus 
saith  the  Lord  God,  keep  to  the  measure  of  my  spirit  manifested  in  your 
hearts,  everyone  to  your  own,  and  be  still,  be  still  and  retired,  keeping  low 
in  the  dread  and  true  humility  of  mine  eternal,  single  spirit  of  judgment 
and  truth  alone.  Feel  me,  the  living  God,  your  habitation,  your  strength, 
your  peace,  your  rock,  your  justifier  in  all  things;  for  behold,  I  will 
sweep,  I  will  sweep,  I  will  fan,  I  will  sift  the  nations  to  the  bottom,  to 
the  ground.    1  will  crush,  I  will  break,  I  will  scatter,  I  will  demolish,  I 


307 


xvill  dissolve  all  flesh  that  hath  corrupted  its  way,  all  mountains,  all 
cedars,  all  strong  holds.  I  will  break  through,  as  he  that  breaketh 
through  gates  of  brass  and  bars  of  iron.  I  will  toss  and  whirl  the  moun- 
tains and  hills  in  my  fury,  as  he  that  tosseth  a  ball.  I  will  overturn 
towers  and  fenced  places,  as  he  that  turneth  up  the  mown  grass.  I  will 
dry  up  rivers  and  deeps,  and  I  will  bring  up  deeps  to  light,  which  have 
not  been  known.  Behold  I  will  work  wonders,  and  miracles,  and  signs 
in  heaven,  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  flesh,  which 
shall  fail  before  me;  for  I  am  a  jealous  God,  a  mighty,  terrible,  and 
dreadful  God,  rewarding  every  one  according  to  his  doings. 

Tremble,  ye  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  for  I  will  shake  all  nations. 
Dread,  and  quake,  and  tremble  before  me,  ye  kings  and  princes,  and 
all  ye  great  men  and  rulers  of  the  earth;  your  strength  is  as  stubble 
before  me.  I  am  come  in  my  fury  and  zeal,  to  render  a  recompense 
for  all  your  doings. 

Tremble,  ye  careless  daughters,  weep  and  howl  ye  women  that  are 
at  ease :  for  behold,  the  day  of  your  mourning  is  at  hand,  in  which  you 
shall  be  as  widows;  and  all  you  daughters  of  music,  you  shall  wail  and 
sigh  bitterly. 

Cry  out  and  roar,  like  bears,  all  ye  deceivers,  all  ye  profane  hirelings, 
changeable  priests,  bishops,  friars,  deans,  monks,  popes,  cardinals,  and 
all  ye  unclean  birds  of  prey,  which  have  caused  the  people  to  err  for 
lack  of  knowledge.  My  terrible,  notable,  and  dreadful  day  of  vengeance 
is  coming  upon  you.  I  will  shake,  I  will  astonish,  I  will  confound  you, 
ye  diviners,  ye  enchanters,  ye  dreamers,  ye  sorcerers,  ye  liars,  ye  mur- 
derers, ye  whoremongers,  ye  bewitchers.  I  will  make  you  mad,  I  will 
amaze  you,  I  will  distract  you,  I  will  strike  you  with  blindness,  and 
madness,  and  astonishment,  and  you  shall  curse  your  gods  and  your 
kings,  and  you  shall  fret  yourselves,  and  gnaw  your  tongues  for  pain  and 
vexation. 

Cry,  roar,  howl,  tremble,  and  be  ye  horribly  confounded,  all  ye  idola- 
ters, superstitious,  deceitful  workers,  and  all  ye  hypocrites!  The  day 
of  vengeance  is  in  my  heart  against  you,  my  indignation  burns,  it  is 
kindled,  it  flames,  it  shall  consume  you,  and  leave  you  neither  root  nor 
branch. 

Behold,  the  end  of  all  things  is  come  up  before  me.  Rejoice,  ye 
upright  in  heart,  ye  undehled,  ye  humble  and  contrite  ones !  rejoice 
with  fear  and  trembling.  Rejoice  thou  heaven;  rejoice  thou  seed  of  Jacob, 
and  of  Abraham,  my  friend;  rejoice  thou  true  Israelite,  in  whom  is  no 
guile;  rejoice,  ye  holy  apostles  and  prophets,  and  saints.  Sing  aloud  upon 
your  beds  of  eternal  rest,  all  ye  martyrs,  who  love  not  your  lives  unto 
death.  Ye  followers  of  the  Lamb,  ye  redeemed  by  his  blood,  ye  chosen, 
ye  faithful  and  true  witnesses,  sing  praises  forever,  and  hallelujahs  for- 


308 


ever;  for  I,  the  mighty  God  of  Israel,  the  everlasting  Jehovah,  the  I  am, 
and  there  is  none  can  deliver  out  of  my  hand,  will  work,  and  none  shall 
hinder.  Fear  not,  ye  babes  of  uprightness,  ye  single  hearted,  ye  noble 
plants  of  my  renown  and  glory,  who  dwell  in  the  retiredness,  in  my  se- 
cret, dreadful,  infallible  life,  and  counsel,  and  wisdom,  fearing  to  offend 
me,  the  mighty  just  God;,  fear  not  the  rage,  wrath,  and  fury  of  your 
adversaries,  though  an  host  encamp  about  you  to  destroy  you;  for  behold, 
my  bridle  is  in  the  jaws  of  the  red  dragon,  and  my  hook  is  in  the  nose  of 
the  fierce  leviathan ;  though  no  man  can  tame  them,  yet  I  the  Lord  God 
of  all  might  and  power  who  formed  the  crooked  serpent,  will  make  my 
sword  to  pierce  through  his  liver.  Fear  not,  I  can  break  up  his  scales, 
though  like  scales  of  brass,  and  draw  his  tongue  out  of  his  mouth,  and  the 
sting  of  venom,  when  I  please.  Fear  ye  not  the  wrath  of  man,  neither 
be  afraid  of  their  revilings  and  threatenings,  but  feel  my  pure,  innocent, 
harmless, upright  life  and  power  in  your  vessels;  for  behold,  I  will  trample 
and  tread  them  under  my  feet  and  your  feet,  as  one  that  treadeth  upon 
mortar,  and  no  idolater,  hypocrite,  or  wicked  person  shall  escape  my 
mighty  hand. 

Therefore  be  silent,  O  all  flesh ;  for  I  am  arisen  in  my  holy  habita- 
tion, to  plead  with  all  nations.  Come  to  judgment,  O  all  ye  ungodly, 
and  receive  your  sentence;  behold  it  draweth  near.  Prepare  to  the 
battle  of  my  everlasting  vengeance  and  recompense,  O  all  ye  workers 
of  iniquity,  for  my  soul  is  filled  with  jealousy,  and  everlasting  vengeance 
is  in  my  heart  against  you.  Have  you  not  been  often  warned  of  my 
righteous  judgments  to  come  ?  Have  not  my  servants  proclaimed  them 
in  your  streets  and  dwelling  places?  Have  I  not  cried  through  them 
my  mighty  day,  which  comes  like  a  thief  in  the  night  upon  the  wicked? 
Can  you  say,  you  never  heard  the  report  thereof?  Can  you  say  you 
were  not  warned,  within*  you  and  without  you  ?  then  will  I  stay  my 
fury. 

But,  behold,  I  have  sent  my  messengers  early  and  late  unto  you,  to 
warn,  reprove,  and  exhort  you.  But  you  have  hardened  your  hearts 
and  stiffened  your  necks,  and  closed  your  eyes,  and  stopped  your  ears 
against  them  and  their  message.  And  not  only  so,  but  you  have  reviled 
them,  and  mocked  them,  and  stoned  them,  and  buffeted  them,  and 
abused  them,  and  persecuted  them,  and  imprisoned  them,  and  some  of 
them  you  have  caused  thereby  to  suffer  death,  &c.  And  what  will 
you  now  do?  Will  you  say,  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  and  in  prison,  and 
did  not  visit  thee  ?  or  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered,  or  suffer  affliction, 
and  did  not  minister  unto  thee  ?  I  tell  you,  inasmuch  as  ye  have  done 
violence  to  these  my  servants  and  messengers,  whom  I  sent  unto  you, 
you  have  done  it  unto  me ;  and  inasmuch  as  you  have  showed  them  no 
mercy,  you  have  showed  no  mercy  unto  me.    For  they  came  not  unto 


309 


vou  in  their  own  wills  and  name,  but  in  the  will  of  him  that  sent  them  ; 
therefore  are  you  left  without  excuse.  Or  can  any  of  you  say  to  my 
lace,  you  knew  not  that  you  were  reproved  for  sin,  or  did  not  know 
what  was  iniquity  or  transgression  against  me,  the  pure,  holy  God  ?  Can 
you  say,  that  we  knew  not  that  pride  was  sin,  or  that  lying  was  sin,  or 
swearing  was  sin,  or  you  knew  not  that  whoredom  was  sin,  or  drunken- 
ness, or  cheating,  or  scoffing,  or  envy,  malice,  and  corrupt  communica- 
tion, or  wantonness,  or  unjust  dealing  was  sin  ?  Or  can  you  say,  you  knew 
not  that  doing  wrong  to  your  neighbour,  as  you  would  not  be  done  unto 
was  sin,  or  murder  or  adultery  was  sin?  If  you  can  say  in  truth,  that  you 
knew  not  these  things,  whether  they  were  good  or  evil,  then  will  I  yet 
stay  my  vengeance  from  descending  upon  you. 

But,  behold,  my  witness  is  in  your  own  consciences,  the  light  of  my 
spirit  hath  often  striven  with  you,  and  manifested  these  things  unto 
you,  and  checked  you,  and  reproved  you,  which  shall  now  eternally 
condemn  you.  And  to  it  I  have  set  my  seal,  that  neither  heaven  nor 
earth  shall  deliver  you.  Amen. 

Given  forth  in  the  eternal  motion  of  the  word  of  God,  by 

William  Bayly. 

A  testimony  of  truth  against  all  the  sowers  of  dissention,  strife, 
and  discord,  amongst  the  people  of  God,  by  what  practice,  or  un- 
der what  pretence  soever.  Being  intended  principally  for  Wales, 
but  elsewhere  to  be  disposed  by  Friends,  as  in  the  counsel  of  the 
Lord  they  shall  be  directed;  that  wheresoever  any  have  made  use 
of  my  name  upon  such  an  account,  it  may  be  ordered  to  do  its 
service,  %/ilso,  it  is  desired,  that  all  they  whom  it  chiefly  con- 
cerns, into  whose  hands  it  may  come,  that  they  would  read  it 
through  with  patience  and  moderation,  and  judge  of  it  in  the 
righteous  judgment  of  truth. 

My  dear  Friends, — Whereas  I  understand,  by  a  letter  from  Wales, 
which  came  to  my  hand,  that  some  bad  people  in  those  parts,  who  are 
led  by  a  contrary  spirit  of  prejudice  and  enmity,  into  marks  and  dis- 
tinctions of  separation,  from  the  faithful  Friends  and  people  of  God,  in 
pursuance  of  J.  P.'s  law  and  curse,  by  keeping  on  the  hat  in  prayer, 
and  the  like,  in  opposition  to  the  pure  truth  and  them  that  live  and 
walk  in  it,  have  lately  made  use  of  my  name,  as  if  they  had  some  en- 
couragement or  strength  through  me,  to  carry  on  a  design  of  division, 


310 


separation,  and  opposition,  against  the  faithful  people  and  servants  of 
the  Lord.  The  which  being  mentioned,  or,  as  it  were,  laid  to  my  charge 
more  than  once,  I  could  do  no  less  in  the  behalf  of  the  truth,  and  my 
own  innocence  herein,  but  bear  a  faithful  and  public  testimony  against 
all  such  things,  expressions,  or  practices  whatsoever,  tending  to  division 
amongst  the  Lord's  people,  and  also  against  that  unruly  spirit  from 
whence  any  such  fruits  and  effects  proceed,  as  having  no  unity  with  it. 
For  the  Lord  knoweth,  and  I  doubt  not  but  many  hundreds  can  testify, 
that  I  am  not  a  man  of  strife,  or  one  causing  division  or  discord  among 
the  people  of  God;  but  on  the  contrary,  greatly  delighting  in  peace  and 
unity.   And  for  this  cause  do  I  labour  and  travel  in  soul  and  body,  that 
true  love,  mercy,  and  peace,  may  daily  increase  and  abound  in  and 
among  them ;  that  the  dominion  of  the  righteous  seed  all  may  witness, 
that  have  any  true  breathings  begotten  in  them  after  the  living  God, 
and  the  knowledge  of  his  salvation  whose  garment  is  without  seam  or 
rent  from  the  top  to  the  bottom.    For  I  can  truly  say  in  the  upright- 
ness of  my  heart,  that  I  have  no  greater  joy,  than  to  see  and  feel  my 
unity,  in  the  pure  truth  and  unfeigned  love  of  God,  with  them  that  walk 
therein,  and  that  strife  and  discord  are  an  abomination  to  me. 

Therefore,  far  be  it  from  me  for  ever  to  join  hands  with  such,  or  any 
way  encourage  them  that  delight  to  sow  discord  among  brethren,  by 
any  such  practice,  as  before  mentioned,  or  under  any  pretence  what- 
soever ;  but  I  do  deny,  and  testify  against  all  whomsoever,  or  whereso- 
ever, that  shall  at  any  time  mention  me,  or  make  use  of  my  name  upon 
such  an  account.  For  the  Lord  knows,  who  searcheth  my  heart,  that 
it  is  the  innocent  seed,  in  whom  guile  was  never  found,  which  hath  long 
suffered,  and  been  oppressed  under  the  bondage  of  corruption,  that  my 
soul  daily  travails  for,  that  it  might  be  raised  up  into  dominion,  over  all 
the  contrary,  to  reign,  whose  right  alone  it  is,  and  for  the  refreshing  and 
strengthening  thereof  in  the  least  babe ;  and  not  at  all  to  encourage  or 
strengthen  that  in  any  which  doth  it  oppress.  For  I  know  right  well, 
the  Lord  hath  determined,  and  already  begun,  to  break  the  oppressor 
of  his  seed  in  pieces,  in  the  particular  and  in  the  general.  And  he  that 
gathereth  not  with  Christ,  the  seed,  and  to  him  who  is  the  life  and  the 
truth,  scattereth  abroad  from  the  truth  and  from  the  life,  and  so  from 
the  unity  of  it,  which  is  kept  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

And  therefore  I  further  testify,  that  if  at  any  time,  either  from  my 
words,  declaration,  or  writing,  any  have  so  wrested  or  taken  them,  as  to 
strengthen  the  wrong  part,  in  which  lodgeth  prejudice,  as  to  oppose  or 
make  a  party  against  the  truth,  and  them  that  walk  in  it,  as  I  perceive 
some  have  done,  that  such  a  thing  was  not  at  all  the  intent  of  them, 
nor  in  the  thoughts  of  my  heart,  as  the  Lord  knoweth.  Though  I  do 
acknowledge,  that  about  five  years  ago,  in  the  prison  at  Newgate,  I  did 


311 


speak  some  words  unseasonable,  as  in  the  behalf  of  J.  P.  and  unadvised, 
not  so  clearly  understanding  the  difference  between  Friends  and  him, 
(who  kept  many  things  from  our  knowledge,  in  tenderness  to  truth,  and 
in  hope  to  have  recovered  him  out  of  the  snares  of  the  enemy.)  which 
words  I  spake  in  reply,  and  indeed,  at  that  instant,  in  opposition  to  some 
words  of  J.  B.'s:  but  I  soon  after  saw  I  had  not  done  well  in  so  doing, 
and  I  consented  to  the  judgment  of  the  Lord  in  my  heart  against  them, 
and  that  hasty,  inconsiderate  part  from  whence  they  did  proceed,  though 
it  was  in  a  kind  of  tenderness  to  him,  upon  the  account  of  his  sufferings, 
which  I,  and  many  more,  did  judge,  had  been  very  great.  But  J.  B.'s 
words  are  fulfilled,  that  he  had  made  a  division  amongst  the  Lord's 
people,  or  to  that  effect;  and  time,  and  the  effects,  have  made  it  manifest: 
which  hath  been  so  great  and  wide,  through  him,  among  them  that  pro- 
fess the  same  truth,  and  the  burden  thereof  felt  so  heavy,  through  the 
stumbling  of  so  many  people,  that  I  have  said  in  my  heart,  in  the  true 
and.  living  sense  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  that  it  had  been  good  for 
him  (and  many  more)  that  he  had  never  been  born.  And  this  I  write 
not  in  the  least  tincture  of  prejudice,  or  enmity  against  any  person 
whatsoever,  but  in  the  true  love  and  life  of  God,  who  is  blessed  for  ever. 
Though  I  am  sensible,  that  some  may  say,  as  I  once  thought,  that  this 
is  a  hard  saying  concerning  one  that  suffered  so  much,  and  bore  such 
a  testimony  upon  the  account  of  truth,  and  especially  from  thee,  who 
hast  been  tender  towards  him,  and  never  appeared  in  such  a  sharp 
manner  as  this  against  him,  and  his  practices  before,  to  speak  so  of  him. 
now  he  is  dead  and  gone,  and  cannot  answer  for  himself,  as  Christ  did 
of  Judas,  which  betrayed  him,  and  went  and  hanged  himself. 

As  in  answer  to  this:  I  never  delight  to  upbraid  any  man,  or  to  lay 
open  the  nakedness  of  any,  if  with  safety,  in  a  clear  conscience.  I  could 
possibly  cover  it;  but  rather,  if  I  may  so  speak,  have  been  too  favour- 
able in  that  respect:  but  the  Lord  knoweth  my  end  and  aim  in  all  tilings, 
to  whom  I  do  appeal.  And  as  for  that  which  is  dead,  I  have  little  to- 
say,  one  way  or  other.  I  look  not  at  the  person  of  any,  either  dead  or 
living,  in  that  respect:  though  I  know  there  are  vessels  of  honour,  and 
of  dishonour,  which  are  different;  but  it  is  that  which  lives  in  them 
makes  the  difference.  And  Judas,  people  may  say,  is  dead,  and  Cain, 
and  Nimrod,  and  Esau;  though  he  was  gone  from  it.  And  I  testify,  in 
the  fear,  holy  power,  name  and  authority  of  the  Lord,  that  Judas  or 
Cain,  never  did  so  much  hurt  and  mischief  amongst  the  Lord's  people, 
as  he  hath  done,  as  to  the  diverting  of  the  minds  of  many  from  the  truth, 
and  laying  stumbling  blocks  in  the  way  of  others,  which  would  have 
been  easily  gathered  into  the  love  of  the  truth,  and  fellowship  of  his 
children.  And  Judas  had  part  of  the  mini-try.  and  eat  in  the  same  dob 
with  the  diseipk?.  who  were  the  true  ministers  of  Christ,  and  yet  he 


312 


lifted  up  his  heel  against  them;  as  he  hath  done  in  a  greater  measure^ 
And  as  for  his  sufferings,  I  leave  them,  as  not  worth  mentioning,  in  com- 
parison of  the  unrighteousness  which  hath  proceeded  from  him,  and  the 
wickedness  which  was  in  his  heart.  For  I  can  produce  a  letter  of  his, 
which  I  lately  found  by  accident,  which  I  never  saw  before,  which  I  do 
believe,  that  Judas  nor  his  brethren,  before  mentioned,  did  ever  write 
the  like,  which  is  abominable,  and  a  shame  to  mention.  Yea,  the  very 
heathen,  that  know  not  God,  would  blush  to  hear  it;  against  which,  (at 
the  reading  and  consideration  of  the  ground  and  effects  it  would  pro- 
duce, if  such  a  thing  should  be  received  as  a  principle  among  people,) 
the  dreadful  power  and  holy  zeal  of  the  Lord,  did  arise  in  my  heart, 
beyond  expression,  even  against  the  root  that  bore  it,  as  an  unclean 
depth  of  atheism,  and  ranterism,  as  ever  I  heard  of  in  all  my  days;  the 
which,  had  1  formerly  known  that  such  a  thing  would  have  proceeded 
from  him,  I  could  have  done  no  less  than  have  borne  a  public  testimony 
against  him  long  ago.  But,  however,  it  is  not  too  late  to  obey  the  mo- 
tion of  the  pure  God,  when  he  doth  require  it  for  the  truth's  sake,  and 
the  sakes  of  some  who  have  ignorantly  followed  him  in  that  character 
of  division,  before  mentioned,  who  may  happily  loathe  and  detest  it,  and 
testify  against  him  and  it,  in  their  heart  and  practice,  when  they  shall 
hear,  consider,  and  believe  these  things  concerning  the  author.of  it;  who 
gave  it  forth  as  a  law,  under  the  penalty  of  a  curse.  Though  some 
there  are,  so  far  given  to  the  spirit  of  enmity,  that  it  will  be  very  hard 
(if  ever)  for  them  to  come  into  the  one,  holy,  peaceable  spirit  of  truth, 
and  love  unfeigned,  in  which  the  saints'  fellowship  is,  and  ever  was, 
who,  if  they  repent  not  in  time,  will  perish  for  ever  in  their  gain-saying. 

And  therefore,  I  exhort  all,  who  have  any  tenderness  in  them  towards 
God  and  his  truth,  to  beware  of  letting  in  prejudice  or  enmity  against 
any,  or  to  slight  such  as  God  hath  blessed  with  his  everlasting  spiritual 
blessings ;  but  rather  look  well  to  their  own  goings,  and  keep  clean 
hands,  and  shut  their  eyes  from  seeing  of  evil,  that  they  may  dwell 
with  the  everlasting  burnings.  For  there  is  a  generation,  that  would 
be  plucking  out,  or  at  least  espying,  a  mote  in  their  brother's  eye,  even 
while  there  remains  a  beam  in  their  own;  and  such  the  son  of  God  calls 
hypocrites,  whose  hearts  assuredly  fearfulness  will  surprise  in  a  day  of 
trial.  And  therefore  I  say  again,  in  the  love  and  fear  of  the  Lord,  take 
heed  of  entertaining  the  least  thought  of  that  root  of  bitterness,  which 
will  defile,  and  hath  defiled  many,  but  judge  it  out  in  its  first  appear- 
ance. For  it  tends  first  to  separate  from  the  feeling  and  enjoyment  of 
the  blessed  presence  of  the  Lord,  by  which  the  soul  is  refreshed,  and 
nourished,  and  has  dominion  over  its  enemies,  and  so  from  that  life 
in  which  the  saint's  unity  stands,  and  so  from  having  fellowship  with 
them;  and  so,  professing  the  same  truth;  without  the  enjoyment  of  it, 


313 


and  acceptance  with  it,  makes  such  like  Cain,  who  envied  his  brother. 
And  therefore,  said  John,  "let  us  love  one  another,  not  as  Cain  who 
slew  his  brother."    Here  he  mentions  Cain  in  that  day,  upon  such  an 
occasion,  as  an  example,  knowing  that  a  little  prejudice  would  eat  like 
a  canker.  And  said  James,  "what  a  great  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth;" 
and  will  yet  kindle,  if  it  be  not  quenched  by  the  water  of  the  life  of 
the  lamb,  which  was  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  that  lies  in 
wickedness,  in  which  life  is  our  fellowship,  which  gives  us  dominion  over 
all  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and  raging  waves  of  the  sea,  which  cast  up 
mire  and  dirt,  and  cannot  rest.    But  in  Christ,  the  everlasting  seed,  all 
the  upright  in  heart  have  peace,  which  God  by  his  mighty  hand  and 
arm  is  exalting  over  all,  that  truth  and  righteousness  may  have  the  do- 
minion and  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of  people;  that  he  may  reign  whose 
right  it  is,  and  all  the  contrary  be  subdued,  and  trodden  under  foot  for 
ever,  and  every  imagination  that  would  rise  in  opposition  against  him, 
be  confounded;  and  that  every  weapon  that  is  formed,  and  every  tongue 
that  riseth  up  against  him,  may  be  destroyed  for  ever ;  that  his  govern- 
ment may  be  from  sea  to  sea,  and  the  knowledge  of  his  glory  cover  the 
earth.  This  is  the  work  which  the  Lord  hath  begun,  and  he  will  accom- 
plish it,  and  bring  it  to  pass,  that  everlasting  praises,  and  honour,  and 
glory  may  be  given  to  his  great  and  glorious  name  over  all,  for  ever  and 
ever,  for  he  is  worthy. 

So,  this  short  testimony  in  the  truth,  and  for  its  sake,  was  on  me  to 
give  forth,  and  to  clear  my  own  innocency,  that  the  truth  may  appear, 
to  the  satisfaction  of  all  faithful  friends  and  tender  people,  wrhere  any 
such  report  shall  come,  concerning  me,  in  this  particular?  and  also,  to 
discourage  that  part  or  spirit  in  any,  that  lusteth  to  envy  and  prejudice 
against  the  truth,  and  them  that  walk  in  it. 

William  Bayly. 

This  1th  month,  1667. 

Didst  thou  not  sow  good  seed  in  thy  field  ?  from  whence  then  hath  it 
tares?  He  saith  unto  them,  an  enemy  hath  done  this.  Matt.  xiii.  27,  28. 

And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent,  because  thou  hast  done  this, 
thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle,  and  above  every  beast  of  the  field. 
Gen.  hi.  14. 

Here  you  may  see  who  is  the  xather  of  all  the  sowers  of  evil  seeds. 


40 


THE  TRUE  CHRIST  OWNED, 


In  a  few  plain  words  of  truth,  by  way  of  reply  to  all  such  profes- 
sors or  profane,  who  lay  to  the  charge  of  the  elect  people  of  God, 
called  Quakers,  that  they  deny  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  his  body 
and  resurrection,  and  that  they  deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them, 
and  trample  the  blood  of  the  covenant  under  their  feet. 

This  is  the  great  outcry  in  the  mouths  of  such  as  know  not  what 
they  say,  nor  whereof  they  affirm,  lifting  up  their  voices  (like  the 
unbelieving  Jews)  of  heresy  and  blasphemy  against  us:  and  all 
this  is  because  we  answer  not  their  wills,  and  the  imaginations 
of  their  dark  mind,  but  according  to  the  manifestation  of  God 
in  every  ma?i's  conscience,  as  the  true  apostles  and  ministers  of 
Christ  did,  and  according  to  the  scriptures  of  truth,  which  holy, 
men  of  God  spake  forth  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost; 
as  will  plainly  appear  to  all  ivhose  eye  the  Lord  hath  opened. 
Which  may  give  much  satisfaction  to  such  as  sincerely  desire  to 
know  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  walk  in  it,  for  whose  sake, 
and  the  vindication  of  the  truth  and  people  of  God,  is  this  written, 
by  William  Bayly. 


THE  PREFACE. 

Reader,  whoever  thou  art,  consider  seriously  that  the  things  of  God 
and  the  true  knowledge  of  them,  are  of  deep  and  weighty  concernment, 
and  there  are  but  few,  in  comparison,  that  have  attained  to  the  true  and 
right  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  of  his  everlasting  kingdom.  Not- 
withstanding their  great  noise  and  talk  of  profession,  the  things  that 
truly  belong  to  their  peace  are  hid  from  their  eyes,  and  their  house  is 
desolate,  and  so  will  remain,  till  they  are  turned  from  the  darkness,  to 
the  light  of  Christ  which  shh*s  in  their  hearts,  as  it  is  written;  "  God, 
who  commanded  light  to  shine  o«4t  of  darkness,  hath  also  shined  in  our 
hearts,  to  give  us  the  light  of  the  Vnowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ."  Mark  here,  w>at  gives  the  true  knowledge  of 
the  things  of  God,  (which  the  natural  \mm  understands  not,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned,)  it  is  the  lightN^hich  shineth  in  the  hearts 
of  people,  which  is  the  ^manifestation  of  the  unit  of  God,  given  to 
every  man  to  profit  withal;  and  except  people  be  turned  to  this,  and 
learn  of  it,  they  can  never  be  profited  in  the  way,  and  worship,  and  true 
knowledge  of  God.    Therefore,  while  people  arc  from  the  gift  of  God 


315 


in  them,  they  put  light  for  darkness,  and  darkness  for  light.  And  so, 
if  thou  wouldst  have  a  clear  and  right  understanding  of  these  things, 
and  be  fully  satisfied  in  thy  own  mind  concerning  them,  thou  must  wait 
in  the  light  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  counsel  and  instruction;  for  no 
man  can  know  the  things  of  God  but  by  the  spirit  of  God,  who  giveth 
his  holy  spirit  to  them  that  rightly  ask  it  of  him;  to  which  I  shall  leave 
thee,  to  be  led  into  the  right  understanding  hereof,  that  the  things  belong- 
ing to  thy  soul's  peace  may  not  be  hid  from  thee. 

W.  B. 


The  first  query  and  charge. 

Do  you  Quakers  own  that  blood  of  Christ  which  was  shed  without 
the  gates  of  Jerusalem  upon  the  cross,  which  when  the  soldier  thrust  in 
his  spear,  forthwith  there  came  water  and  blood;  and  they  that  saw  it, 
bore  record  that  this  was  visible  blood,  which  came  out  of  the  side  of 
the  visible  man  Christ?  Do  you  own  justification  by  this  blood  which 
was  visible,  which  we  do  believe  you  do  not?  For  we  could  never  hear 
you  directly  answer  us  to  this  matter,  but  evade  it  by  other  terms,  and 
shuffle  it  off,  not  daring  to  sho"'  your  faith  and  principle  in  this  particu- 
lar; so  that  we  conclude  and  publish,  that  you  are  them  that  deny  jus- 
tification alone  by  the  visible  blood  of  the  visible  man  Christ,  that  was 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary. 

Thus  said  Katthew  Caffen. 

Answe^-^-As  for  the  words  visible  blood,  and  visible  man,  which  thou 
so  much  talkest  of  in  this  kind,  they  are  terms  quite  beside  the  language 
of  the  scriptures  of  truth,  or  else  I  am  very  ignorant  of  such  transla- 
tions. But  we  do  as  really  own  our  justification  by  the  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  only  begotten  son  of  God,  as  the  apostles  and  saints  of  old 
did,  without  any  evasion  or  shuffling,  according  to  their  very  meaning, 
and  plain  declaration;  who  said,  "  If  we  are  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the 
light,  then  have  we  fellowship  one  with  another,  (mark  in  what  their 
fellowship  was — is  yours  in  the  light?)  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  his 
son,  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin*?'*  You  may  see,  here  is  nothing  mentioned 
of  the  word  visible.  And  again :  "  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them,  verily, 
verily,  I  say  unto  you,  except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  son  of  man,  and 
dvink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you:  whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and 
drink eth  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life,  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last 
day.    For  my  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed :  he 


*  1  John  i.  7. 


316 


that  eateth  my  flesh  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in 
him,"  &c*  These  Words  of  truth  we  own  and  witness;  but  your  words 
visible  flesh,  and  visible  blood,  which  you  would  strain  us  up  to  express, 
to  answer  your  wills  and  dark  imaginations,  we  do  not  read  from  Christ 
nor  his  apostles  in  all  the  scriptures.  So  we  desire  all  people  to  take 
notice  of  the  ground  these  people  have  to  say,  we  deny  the  blood  of 
Christ;  for,  because  I  did  not  answer  Matthew  CafFen,  (in  a  late  dis- 
course about  these  things,)  in  the  express  term  visible,  it  being  not  ac- 
cording to  the  form  of  sound  words,  he  therefrom  concluded  that  we 
deny  the  blood  of  Christ,  that  we  do  not  own  justification  by  it;  who 
might  as  well  conclude  the  same  of  Paul,  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles 
and  ministers  of  Christ,  as  of  us,  for  not  using  the  word  visible  when 
they  express  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Christ;  yea,  of  Christ  himself,  who 
leaves  out  that  expression  which  they  so  much  contend  about,  and  on 
the  contrary,  saith>  the  flesh  profits  nothing,  it  is  the  spirit  gives  life.f 
Then  tell  me,  O  ye  professors  of  Christ's  and  his  apostles'  words,  who 
say  they  are  your  rule,  what  is  that  flesh  that  is  meat  indeed,  and  what 
is  that  flesh  that  profits  nothing,  seeing  both  are  the  words  of  truth? 

And  again:  take  the  words  of  Peter  minister  of  the  word  which 
endureth  for  ever)  to  the  elect  that  were  scattered  throughout  several 
places:  "  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  y<?.  are  not  redeemed  with*  corrupti- 
ble things,  (as  silver  and  gold,)  from  your  vain  conversation,  received  by 
tradition  from  your  fathers:  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of 
a  lamb  without  blemish  and  without  spot."J  Why  do  you  not  here  find 
fault  with  Peter,  for  not  using  the  word  visible  instead  of  precious  ? 
which  was  my  term  several  times  to  thee  and  thy  companions  in  that 
discourse,  which  ye  would  not  receive  as  satisfactory  to  you ;  So  ye  may 
as  well  be  unsatisfied,  and  contend  with  Peter,  and  Christ,  and  Paul, 
and  the  scriptures  of  truth  throughout,  as  with  us  about  the  word  visi- 
ble, and  call  them  sophisters  and  blasphemers,  as  thou  M.  C.  calledst 
me,  when  I  spake  their  words,  without  adding  or  diminishing,  as  may 
appear  hereafter. 

And  again :  see  the  testimony  of  John,  a  servant  of  God,  who  "  bare 
record  of  the  word  of  God,  and  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  all 
things  that  he  saw :  and  he  said  unto  me,  these  are  they  that  came  out 
of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes,  and  made  them 
white  in  the  blood  of  the  lamb."§  He  doth  not  say,  in  the  visible 
blood  of  the  lamb  they  have  washed  their  robes.  So  though  you  thus 
exclaim  against  us  in  these  things,  and  brand  us  with  heresy,  &c.  yet 
we  have,  and  do  see,  whose  eyes  the  Lord  hath  opened,  more  for  us, 

•  John  vi.  53.  f  John  vi.  62.  63.  *  1  Pet.  i.  18.  §  Rev.  i.  I,  2,  and  in 
chap.  iii.  14. 


317 


than  are,  or  ever  shall  he  against  us ;  for  we  have  the  witness  of  God, 
and  of  all  his  faithful  servants  and  ministers,  and  the  testimony  of  his 
own  son  on  our  side ;  and  if  ye  had  understood  their  words  and  writings, 
which  ye  so  much  talk  of,  ye  would  easily  understand  our  faith  and 
principles  concerning  these  matters.  But  as  Christ  said  in  those  days 
concerning  the  zealous  outside  professors,  so  say  I  now,  "  I  thank  thee,  O 
Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from 
the  wise  and  prudent  of  the  world,  and  hast  revealed  them  to  babes," 
&c.  And  much  more  might  he  spoken  as  to  this  particular  of  the  blood 
of  Christ,  but  in  the  mouths  of  two  or  three  witnesses  let  these  things  be 
established;  which  when  people  come  to  understand  aright  with  a  spi- 
ritual discerning,  they  will  not  cry  out  against  us,  that  we  deny  the 
blood  of  Christ,  and  trample  the  blood  of  the  covenant  under  our  feet, 
as  these  men  have  done  through  their  ignorance.  The  Lord  give  them 
repentance,  and  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do :  for  the 
blood  of  the  covenant  is  that  which  sanctifieth ;  and  without  holiness 
or  sanctification,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  And  this  we  do  not  tram- 
ple on,  or  count  an  unholy  thing;  but  do  praise  the  Lord  that  bought 
us,  that  we  are  made  witnesses  of  it;  and  do  acknowledge  our  salvation, 
as  the  apostle  Paul,  and  Silvanus,  and  Timotheus  did,  (to  the  church  of 
the  Thessalonians  in  God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,)  to  be 
through  the  salification  of  the  spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth.*  Thus 
were  they  chosen  from  the  beginning  to  salvation,  as  ye  may  read. 
And  these  things  we  do  not  count  unholy,  but  do  prize  and  esteem  them 
more  than  all  the  visible,  perishing  things  in  the  whole  world,  though 
you  have  thus  belied  and  reproached  us. 

The  second  query  and  charge. 

But  do  you  own  salvation  by  the  man  Christ,  that  was  born  of  the 
virgin  Mary,  and  that  was  baptized  of  John  in  Jordan,  and  that  preach- 
ed in  the  world,  and  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried,  and  rose  again  the 
third  day,  and  ascended  into  heaven,  and  there  sitteth  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  and  shall  come  again  to  judge  the  world?  (Now  mark,  if 
we  speak  the  truth  in  the  uprightness  of  our  hearts,  and  say  yea  to  all 
this,  it  doth  not  at  all  satisfy  them,  but  they  further  proceed  with  terms 
beyond  what  is  written :)  but  do  you  believe  in  the  visible  man  Christ, 
with  flesh  and  bones,  which  the  people  fastened  their  eyes  on  when  he 
read  in  the  book  of  Isaiah?  So  that  Christ  Jesus  was  a  visible  man, 
with  flesh  and  bones,  as  he  himself  said  to  Thomas,  a  spirit  hath  not 
flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have;  so  they  did  see  him  after  he  was 

*  2  Thess.  ii.  13. 


318 

risen  from  the  dead,  and  this  was  visible.  Do  you  Quakers  own  sal- 
vation alone  by  this  visible  person  Christ  Jesus?  for  we  believe  you 
do  not,  because  you  preach  up  a  light  within,  and  not  the  visible  man 
Christ,  for  salvation ;  and  so  we  publish  you  to  be  them  that  deny  the 
Lord  that  bought  them,  and  so  are  of  antichrist,  and  false  prophets. 

This  was  the  sum  of  Matthew  Caffen's  question  and  charge,  in  that 
late  discourse  against  us,  who  makes  it  his  work  to  revile  the  truth, 
and  them  that  do  witness  it  revealed  in  the  inward  parts,  where  God 
doth  require  it. 

Answer. 

The  former  part  is  here  answered  already,  with  a  word  of  truth ; 
yea,  and  as  to  the  latter  part  thereof,  I  have  this  to  say,  that  we  do 
not  deny,  but  own  and  believe,  that  he  was  the  son  of  God,  and  the  true 
Christ,  and  the  saviour  of  the  world,  that  did  appear  to  his  disciples* 
and  did  eat  and  drink  with  them,  and  talk  with  them,  after  he  was 
risen  from  the  dead,  who  said,  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones  as  ye 
see  me  have;  and  all  that  is  or  was  spoken  and  written  by  the  pro- 
phets and  apostles  of  Christ  concerning  him,  what  he  was,  or  what  he 
did  or  said,  we  do  really  believe,  without  any  equivocating,  as  some  of 
you  usually  charge  us  with,  and  with  reservations ;  to  which  we  may 
say,  as  the  apostle,  "  If  our  gospel  be  hid  (or  reserved,)  it  is  hid  to  them 
that  are  lost,  whose  minds  the  god  of  this  world  hath  blinded,  that  do 
not  believe,  lest  the  light  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  (who  is  the 
image  of  God,)  should  shine  unto  them."  Read  2  Cor.  chap.  iv.  through- 
out, you  that  talk  against  the  light  within,  and  understand  what  ye 
read,  and  what  ye  are  crying  out  against;  it  is  no  less  than  the  son  of 
God,  if  you  will  believe  Paul,  who  witnessed  the  son  of  God  revealed  in 
him ;  and  Christ,  the  son  of  God,  said,  "  I  am  the  light  of  the  world." 

But  as  to  your  charge,  I  say  further,  that  we  own  salvation  by  no 
other  Christ  than  him  the  true  apostles  preached,  nor  any  other  gospel 
or  name  under  heaven,  by  which  men  shall  be  saved,  but  by  Christ 
Jesus,  who  is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever.  And  for  the 
word  visible,  it  is  yours  and  not  Christ's,  nor  his  apostles,  nor  mine; 
and  so  I  leave  it  out,  and  keep  to  the  form  of  sound  words,  as  the  apostle 
exhorts,  and  not  meddle  with  it,  lest  I  add  to  his  words,  and  he  reprove 
me.  But  he  that  took  upon  him  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  the  form 
of  a  servant,  and  was  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  and  made  in  the  like- 
ness of  men,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  no  robbery  to  be  equal, 
with  God,  this  Christ  Jesus  we  own,  and  witness  salvation  by,  and  by 
no  other.*    And  though  Christ  Jesus  spoke  at  that  time,  and  upon  that 


•  Phil.  ii.  6,  7,  8. 


319 


occasion,  of  his  flesh  and  bones,  that  they  might  believe,  that  it  was  he 
that  was  risen  from  the  dead,  whom  the  chief  priests,  scribes,  pharisees, 
and  elders  had  caused  to  be  crucified,  which  before  he  had  declared  to 
them,  arid  so  upbraided  them  with  their  unbelief  in  that  particular;  yet 
we  need  not  be  upbraided  with  unbelief  by  any,  as  you  have  done,  say- 
ing, we  deny  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  but  we  do  really  believe, 
that  Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead,  and  entered  into  his  glory,  according 
to  the  scriptures,  who  said  to  his  disciples  at  the  supper,  "I  will  not  drink 
henceforth  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that  day  when  I  drink  it  new 
with  you  in  my  Father's  kingdom,"  and  that  after  he  was  risen  from  the 
dead,  he  would  go  before  them  into  Galilee.    So  these  things  they  did 
witness  fulfilled,  according  as  he  had  said,  whose  cup  of  blessing,  which 
they  blessed,  was  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  &c.?# 
And  did  not  his  blood  cleanse  them  from  all  sin,  as  they  walked  in  the 
light,  in  which  their  fellowship  and  communion  was  ?f  Read  with  un- 
derstanding in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  And  so  mark  your  great  argument, 
upon  what  occasion  he  thus  appeared  and  spoke;  "a  spirit  hath  not 
flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have."    Did  he  thus  speak  that  his  dis- 
ciples should  always  look  after  flesh  and  bones  to  appear  amongst  them, 
and  to  be  with  them,  and  comfort  them  for  ever  ?  Or  did  he  not  appear 
to  them  in  another  form?  And,  last  of  all,  did  he  not  appear  to  Paul, 
(who  was  called  Saul,)  as  to  one  born  out  of  due  time  ?  And  how  did 
he  appear  to  him  ?    Mark,  "  when  it  pleased  God  to  reveal  his  son  in 
me,"  &c. 

Object.  But  here  may  an  objection  rise;  did  not  Paul  see  that  very 
person,  or  body,  or  visible  Christ  that  the  rest  saw,  even  the  visible 
flesh  and  bones  that  Thomas  felt  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  the  hole  of 
the  spear,  after  he  was  risen  from  the  dead,  &c? 

A nsw.  Suppose  he  did,  (for  he  showed  himself  so  to  witnesses,  and 
not  unto  all,)  yet  Paul,  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  and  Christ,  after 
that,  did  not  talk  so  much  of  flesh  and  bones,  and  not  at  all  with  the 
word  visible,  as  you  do;  but  on  the  contrary,  as  Paul  himself  said  after 
God  had  revealed  his  son  in  him,  "  Henceforth  know  we  no  man  after 
the  flesh;  yea,  though  we  have  known  Christ  after  the  flesh,  yet  now 
henceforth  know  we  him  so  no  more."};  Mark,  he  speaks  as  well  in 
behalf  of  all  them  that  so  knew  him,  as  of  himself,  though  they  had  been 
witnesses  of  his  so  appearing.  Now,  if  Christ  should  so  come  and  appear 
as  you  say,  with  visible  flesh  and  bones,  or  after  the  flesh,  as  you  look 
for  him,  Paul  would  not  know  him,  nor  the  rest  of  the  apostles  of  Christ, 
who  were  eye  witnesses  of  his  majesty  and  glory.  Would  they  do  well 
then?    Would  not  they  deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them  then?    For  he 

•  1  Cor,  xvi.         [|  1  John  iif.       '  \  2  Cor.  v.  6. 


320 


said, "  we  know  him  no  more  henceforth,  (though  we  have  known  him,) 
after  the  flesh;"  and  speaks  not  so  far  outward  as  your  word  visible.  Is 
Paul  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles  of  Christ  of  your  judgment,  or  of  the 
Quakers?  Let  God's  witness  in  you  all  answer.    Would  ye  receive  such 
into  fellowship  with  you  that  do  say,  as  Christ  did, "  the  flesh  profits 
nothing,  it  is  the  spirit  gives  life,"  when  they  looked  so  much  at  his  out- 
ward person,  or  fleshly  appearance  in  that  body?  And  if  the  apostles  and 
Christ  do  well  to  speak  after  this  manner,  why  do  ye  then  brand  the 
harmless  Quakers,  (so  called,)  with  heresy,  who  speak  and  own  the  same 
things  that  they  did,  and  not  contrary?  As  you  may  read  at  large  in  the 
scripture  of  truth,  how  they  all  preached  the  kingdom  of  God  within,  and 
the  word  nigh  in  the  heart  and  in  the  mouth;  and  that  none  should 
say  in  their  hearts,  "  who  shall  ascend  up  into  heaven,  to  bring  Christ 
down,"  &c?  And  "  God  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  dark- 
ness, hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ:"*  "  but  we  have  this  treasure 
in  earthen  vessels,  that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may  be  of  God,  and 
not  of  us."f  And  said  David,  "  The  king's  daughter  is  all  glorious  with- 
in." And  who  is  this  king's  daughter,  but  they  whom  God  is  their  father? 
who  said,  "  I  will  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them;  I  will  be  their  God, 
and  they  shall  be  my  people."J    And  this  is  our  message,  "  that  God  is 
light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all;"  and  the  light  within  giveth  the 
knowledge  of  his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ;  and  this  glorious  trea- 
sure is  in  earthen  vessels:  and  "  know  ye  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  in  you, 
except  you  be  reprobates."^  And  "I  have  hid  thy  word  in  my  heart;  and 
thy  word  is  a  light  to  my  feet,  and  a  lantern  to  my  paths,"  said  David. 
He  did  not  say  the  scripture,  nor  the  visible  flesh  and  bones,  was  a  light 
to  his  feet,  but  the  word  in  his  heart.    And  "  in  the  beginning  was  the 
word,  and  the  word  was  with  God,  and  God  was  the  word;  in  him  was 
life,  and  the  life  was  the  light  of  men,"  &c.    And  David  said, "  The  Lord 
is  my  light  and  my  salvation."||  And  Isaiah  said,  "The  Lord  shall  be  unto 
thee  an  everlasting  light."Tl  And  said  the  apostle, "  Now  the  Lord  is  that 
spirit;  and  where  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty,"  that  is,  where 
he  dwells  and  walks,  as  he  said:  and  "  there  is  one  Lord,  and  his  name 
one;"  and  Jesus  is  Lord,  who  said,  "  I  am  the  light  of  the  world;  he  that 
followeth  me  shall  not  abide  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the  light  of  life:" 
and  if  they  have  it,  it  must  be  within  them,  or  in  them. 

And  again,  said  Christ,  who  is  the  true  light, "  Neither  pray  I  for  these 
alone,  but  for  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me,  through  the  truth, 
that  they  may  all  be  one,  as  thou  Father  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that 
they  also  may  be  one  in  us;  (see  how  this  comes  to  pass;)  I  in  them. 

•  2  Cor.  iv.  vers.  6  and  7.      f  Psal.  xlv.  13.      *  2  Cor.  vi.  16.       §  2  Cor.  atiii.  5. 
ti  Psal.  xxvii.  1.         1  Isa.  Ix.  19. 


321 

and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made  perfect  in  one,"  &c.  Here  is 
the  Father  and  his  son  in  his  people,  as  God  said,  he  would  dwell  in  them; 
and  as  Christ  said.  *•  My  Father  and  I  will  come,  and  make  our  abode  with 
him"'  that  keeps  his  sayings:  and  this  is  the  language  of  the  scriptures. 
And  he  that  is  with  you  shall  be  in  you,  &c.  u  And  the  same  spirit  that 
rai-ed  up  Christ  from  the  dead,  shall  also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies." 
Here  they  all  preached  the  light  within,  and  Christ  within,  if  ye  can  un- 
derstand, and  God  in  his  people.  And  manifold  more  might  be  instanced 
to  prove  their  principles  and  doctrine,  whom  you  call  blasphemers; 
but  the  world  shall  know,  that  our  testimony  is  true  in  the  day  at  hand  ; 
as  I  told  some  of  you,  when  ye  so  fiercely  contended  against,  and  spake 
evil  of  the  things  ye  understood  not. 

And  when  I  spoke  of  Christ,  who  said,  "  Before  Abraham  was  I  am," 
and  that  all  things  were  made  by  him  and  for  him,  &c.  said  one  Wil- 
liam Burnet,  a  baptist  teacher,  there  was  nothing  made  by  Christ;  then 
said  I,  by  whom  were  all  things  made  in  the  beginning?  Said  he,  by  the 
word.  Now  let  all  people  see  the  darkness  of  these  men,  whom  their 
envv  hath  blinded,  that  they  cannot  see  the  plain  scripture,  how  that 
Christ  is  called  the  word  of  God;*  and  in  divers  places  he  is  called  the 
word:  and  said  the  Apostle  Paul,  "  By  him  were  all  things  created,  that 
are  in  heaven  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,"  &c.f  So  it 
is  no  marvel  they  oppose  us,  and  revile  us  about  these  things,  when  they 
belie  the  apostle,  and  contradict  his  plain  words,  who  are  like  the  un- 
believing Jews,  that  looked  at  the  outward  age  of  the  person  of  Christ, 
when  he  said  to  them,  "  Before  Abraham  was  I  am."  Is  not  this  the 
true  Christ  that  was  before  Abraham?  Was  not  he  with  the  Father  glo- 
rified before  the  world  began?  W^ill  ye  deny  these  tilings,  so  plainly  re- 
corded in  the  scriptures  of  truth?  And  is  not  Christ  Jesus  the  same  yes- 
terday, to  day,  and  forever?  And  did  not  John  Baptist  say,  he  that 
cometh  after  me,  is  preferred  before  me,  for  he  was  before  me? 

See  here;  did  not  this  baptist  teacher  see  farther  than  you  baptist 
teachers  do  now,  who  cry  out,  the  visible  flesh  and  bones  is  the  Sa- 
viour? And  farther  than  the  unbelieving  Jews,  who  said, "  Thou  art  not 
fifty  years  old,  and  hast  thou  seen  Abraham?"  Whose  answer  serves  for 
you  all, Before  Abraham  was  I  am."J  Then  took  they  up  stones  to  cast 
at  him.  Can  you  read  your  spirit  ?  For  ye  throw  the  hardest  things  that 
ye  cau  scrabble  up  against  us  about  these  things,  except  ye  had  the  out- 
ward power  and  sword  in  your  hands;  then  I  am  sure,  some  of  you  would 
punish  the  blasphemers,  (as  ye  call  them,)  with  a  prison,  or  death,  like 
as  your  brethren  have  done;  for  "We  have  a  law,  and  by  our  law  he 
ought  to  die,"  said  the  unbelieving  Jews.  And  the  Pope  hath  a  law  to 


*  Rev.  xix.  f  Col.  i.  16.  J  Johnviii.  5. 

11 


322 


burn  heretics,  that  do  not  believe  the  natural,  visible,  corruptible  bread 
and  wine  to  be  the  real,  natural,  substantial  body  and  blood  of  Christ, 
and  so  the  saviour  and  redeemer.  And  in  New  England,  the  zealous 
professors  of  the  letter,  (the  man  slayers  and  murderers,)  have  laws 
against  the  Quakers,  and  call  them  a  cursed  sect;  and  you  call  them 
blasphemers;  so  that  Christ's  words  are  fulfilled,  "Ye  shall  be  hated  of 
all  nations  (or  opinions)  for  my  name's  sake;"  who  said,  "I  am  the  light  of 
the  world,"  and  "  before  Abraham  was,  I  am."  And  Lodowick  Muggleton 
he  curseth  them  and  cries,  they  deny  the  son  to  be  a  person  in  the  form 
of  a  man,  which  suffered  death,  and  is  risen,  &c.  and  calls  them  the 
cursed  sect  of  Quakers.  But  all  your  curses  and  revilings,  scandals, 
lies,  and  reproaches,  will  turn  back  into  your  own  bosoms,  and  shall  not 
come  nigh  the  dwelling  of  them  whom  the  Lord  hath  blessed;  for  we 
do  not  deny  the  person  of  Christ,  nor  the  blood  of  Christ,  nor  the  resur- 
rection of  the  body,  as  we  are  falsely  charged,  but  do  own  them  all  iq 
their  place  and  office,  according  to  the  scriptures  of  truth:  and  we  are 
one  with  the  saints  and  apostles  in  the  primitive  time,  in  all  these  things, 
and  so  are  not  a  sect,  but  members  of  his  body,  of  his  flesh,  and  of  his 
bones,  as  they  were-  Ephes.  v.  30.  But  his  sayings  are  fulfilled,  "  If  they 
have  called  the  master  of  the  house  Beelzebub,  much  more  them  of  his 
household:"  "If  ye  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love  his  own;  but 
because  I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the  world  hateth 
you." 


The  third  query  and  charge. 

But  do  you  Quakers  own  and  believe  the  resurrection  of  this  body? 
that  this  very  body  that  is  visible;  of  flesh  and  bones,  which  we  now 
see,  and  feel,  and  handle — do  you  believe  that  this  same  body  shall  rise 
again?  (said  Matthew  Caif'en,  and  his  companion  Burnet,  while  they 
were  handling  one  hand  with  the  other.)  Eor  we  believe  you  do  not, 
but  deny  the  resurrection  of  this  same  visible  body  of  flesh  and  bones, 
as  we  have  good  ground  to  believe  by  your  books,  in  which  we  cannot 
find  that  you  own  the  visible  man  Christ,  that  is  risen  and  ascended  up 
into  heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God;  nor  the  resurrection 
of  this  same  visible  body;  if  you  do,  or  do  not,  say  aye  or  no  (said  M.  C.) 
directly  to  the  question? 

Answer. — As  I  told  thee  then,  in  that  discourse  upon  the  heath,  sol 
tell  thee  again,  that  the  man  Christ,  and  his  resurrection  from  the  dead 
I  own,  according  to  the  scriptures,  which  thou  saidst  was  general,  and 
nothing  to  the  question.  Then  said  I,  I  own  the  resurrection  of  the  body 
as  Paul  did,  and  mentioned  his  words,  "  it  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is 


323 


raised  a  spiritual  body:  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power: 
and  there  is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual  body,"  &c.  And 
whereas  you  cry,  the  self-same  visible  body  of  flesh  and  bones,  you  believe 
shall  be  raised,  and  this  isyouf  faith  and  principle;  1  do  not  so  read  it.  in 
your  terms,  in  all  the  scripture  of  truth,  though  ye  allege  that  saying 
in  Lzekiel,  (chap,  xxxvii.)  about  the  dry  bones,  "  I  will  lay  sinews  upon 
you,  and  will  bring  up  flesh  upon  you,  and  cover  you  with  skin,  and  put 
breath  in  you,  and  ye  shall  live,  and  ye  shall  know,  that  I  am  the  Lord.'' 
Now  look  in  the  11th  verse,  and  see  the  mystery  thereof,  (if  it  be  not 
above  your  reach;  for  you  are  very  near  the  earth,  though  ye  talk  so 
much  of  heaven.)  whether  it  was  not  spoken  only  of  the  restoration  of 
the  Jews  out  of  their  captivated  and  dead  state ;  as  the  apostle  said, 
■  what  shall  the  reviving  (or  returning)  of  them  be,  but  life  from  the 
dead?'**  Consider  well  what  ye  say,  and  whereof  ye  affirm;  for  the  light 
will  make  all  filings  manifest,  and  the  fire  must  try  your  works. 

And  we  have  read  that  fifteenth  chapter  of  the  first  epistle  to  the 
Corinthians  through,  and  find  not  your  won!  viStBLE  in  it,  from  the  one 
end  to  the  other,  which  speaks  as  much  (or  more)  of  the  resurrection, 
as  any  place  that  I  know  of.  But  I  find  Paul,  an  apostle  of  our  Lord 
Jesus,  saying',  "Thou  fool."  to  such  as  queried,  "How  are  the  dead  raised 
up !  and  with  what  body  do  they  come7"  But  he  doth  not  tell  people, 
as  you  do,  that  the  same  visible  body  of  flesh  and  bones  shall  be  raised 
up:  bur  says,  "Thou  sowest  not  that  body  that  shall  be:"  and  in  the 
fiftieth  verse  speaks  very  plainly,  which  might  be  a  full  answer  to  your 
visible  flesh  and  same  flesh,  and  to  your  shame.  "  Now  this  I  say,  breth- 
ren, (said  he,)  that  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God, 
neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incorruption.*'  And  in  the  24th  verse 
saitb,  "Awake  to  righteousness,  and  sin  not;  for  some  have  not  the 
knowledge  of  God;  I  speak  this  to  your  shame which  were  such  as 
he  called  fool,  that  questioned  and  imagined  about  the  resurrection  of 
the  body,  and  what  manner  of  body  it  should  be,  before  they  were 
awakened  to  righteousness,  and  left  off  sinning;  in  which  state  they 
rould  not  discern  the  Lord's  body,  nor  the  resurrection:  for  sin  is  dark- 
ness, and  the  wages  of  it  are  death.  And  what  can  you  see  in  the  dark, 
and  when  ye  are  dead  ?  What  knowledge  of  God  have  them  that  are 
in  the  grave?  Therefore,  I  say,  awake,  and  let  your  eyes  be  opened, 
and  contend  no  longer  against  the  light  within ;  for  it  is  that  which  giveth 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Christ  Jesus.  And 
such  as  know  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  being  made  conformable 
to  his  death,  have  seen  his  glory;  to  whom  be  praise,  and  eternal  glory, 


*  Horn.  x\.  5. 


324 


and  thanksgiving,  who  is  the  immortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God, 
blessed  forever.  Amen. 

And  much  more  might  be  written,  as  to  manifest  your  darkness  and 
ignorance  in  the  things  of  God,  and  of  the  very  letter  of  the  scriptures ; 
and  so  denying  the  light,  which  should  give  you  a  good  understanding, 
ye  do  err,  not  knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the  power  of  God.  See 
Matt.  xxii.  29.  which  was  spoken  concerning  the  resurrection. 


Postscript. — The  key  that  opens  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  is  the  spirit  of  God,  and  without  it  no  man  can  rightly  understand 
or  judge  of  them,  or  have  any  true  sight  thereof;  for  the  natural  man 
is  blind,  and  so  speaks  by  imagination,  not  at  all  perceiving  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned,*  as  it  is  written.    And  so  it  often  hap-., 
peneth  with  such  to  "speak  evil  of  those  things  they  know  not;  but  in 
what  they  know  naturally,  in  those  things  they  corrupt  themselves." 
Mark,  naturally.    It  is  an  easy  thing  for  any  vain  man  or  hypocrite 
to  talk  or  dispute  about  a  natural  thing,  as  you  may  see  how  these  na- 
tural professors  use  the  word  visible  about  the  body  and  blood  ©f  Christ, 
which  I  do  not  find  written  in  all  the  scriptures  of  truth,  as  to  those  par- 
ticulars.   And  so,  because  we  do  not  speak  to  answer  their  wills,  con- 
trary to  the  scriptures,  they  are  highly  offended  with  us,  as  Matthew 
CafTen  was  with  me,  because  I  said  God  dwell eth  in  his  people,  and  that 
Christ  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God;  but  M.  C.  said,  with  a  loud 
voice,  "  My  Saviour,  that  I  own  salvation  by,  is  that  visible  man  Christ, 
that  is  ascended  up  into  heaven,  and  there  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of 
God — that  visible  man,  with  the  same  flesh  and  bones  which  he  took  of 
the  Virgin  Mary."    Which  heaven  dost  thou  mean?  said  I  to  him.    "  I 
mean  (said  he)  that  visible  heaven  up  there,"  pointing  over  his  head  to- 
wards the  sky.  What,  up  there,  where  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  are?  said 
I.  "Yea,  (said  M.  C.)  this  is  my  faith  and  my  principle,  I  care  not  who 
knoweth  it,  though  you  Quakers  hide  yours,  and  will  not  deal  plainly, 
but  are  ashamed  of  what  ye  hold,"  &c.    (This  is  false.)    Then  said  I, 
did  Paul  speak  truth  and  honestly  to  the  people,  or  did  he  mock  them, 
and  deal  deceitfully  with  them,  when  he  bid  them  seek  the  things  that 
are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God?  &c.    Or  did 
he  speak  of  impossibilities  to  them?    For,  if  he  meant  up  there,  where 
the  visible  sun,  moon,  and  stars  are,  the  visible  heaven,  how  was  it  pos- 
sible, or  wherein  was  it  any  way  profitable  for  them  to  seek  things  up 
there?    Or  what  things  were  they  there  to  seek  ?    Or  did  ever  any  of 


*  1  Cor.  li. 


325 

l:hem  obey  his  exhortation,  to  whom  lie  thus  spake?    Did  any  of  them 
elimb  up  thither,  and  find  Christ  sitting  there  in  a  visible,  single  person, 
as  M.  C.  said  he  was  there  so?  And  what  things  are  there  to  be  sought, 
as  pertaining  to  salvation  ?    Let  the  witness  of  the  living  God  in  all 
people,  that  have  but  the  least  understanding,  judge  and  answer.  And 
whether  these  men  in  their  imaginations  have  not  made  to  themselves 
the  likeness  of  things  in  heaven,  or  things  in  earth,  contrary  to  the  com- 
mand of  God  ?    For  Christ  doth  not  always  sit  where  he  is,  though  he 
mentioned  sitting,  signifying  a  place  of  abode.  But  Stephen  saw  heaven 
opened,  and  Jesus  standing  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  when  he  was  be- 
fore the  council,  bearing  a  testimony,  that  the  Most  High  dwelleth  not 
in  temples  made  with  hands,  as  saith  the  prophet :    "  Heaven  is  my 
throne,  and  earth  is  my  foot-stool ;  what  house  will  ye  build  me?  saith 
the  Lord,  or  what  is  the  place  of  my  rest  ?    Have  not  my  hands  made 
all-these  things?"*    But  Stephen  was  full  of  the  holy  ghost,  looking  up 
steadfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw  the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing 
on  the  right  hand  of  God,  which  they  that  gnashed  with  their  teeth  on 
him  did  not  see ;  for  they  did  always  resist  the  holy  ghost  as  their  fathers 
did,  and  they  stopped  their  ears,  and  ran  upon  him  with  one  accord,  as 
all  the  professors  in  Christendom,  so  called,  have  done  against  the  harm- 
less people  of  God  in  this  age.  Such  as  resist  that  which  is  holy  in  them- 
selves, must  needs  resist,  and  reproach,  and  persecute  them  that  are 
filled  with  it,  and  born  of  it;  and  so  the  scripture  is  fulfilled,  "  They 
hated  me  before  they  hated  you."f 

And  so,  though  men  may  be  wise,  and  zealous,  and  learned,  and  pru- 
dent, and  great,  and  rich,  and  mighty,  and  be  rulers,  and  teachers,  &c. 
yet  if  they  resist  the  holy  ghost,  (or  spirit  of  truth,)  the  mysteries  o£ 
God  and  of  his  kingdom  are  still  hid  from  them;  though  they  profess  and 
talk  of  them  with  their  mouth  and  lips,  yet  their  foolish  heart  is  still 
darkened,  because  they  like  not  to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge,  but 
like  to  retain  only  a  kind  of  outside  knowledge  of  those  things  that  his 
children  do  witness  the  life  and  power  of  within;  and  so  they  are  in- 
wardly ravened  from  that  which  only  can  give  the  true  and  saving  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  of  his  glory  .J 

And  so,  from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  the  world,  in  that  which  is 
natural  and  visible,  God  hath  hid  and  doth  hide  the  mysteries  of  his 
heavenly  kingdom  and  dominion,  but  doth  reveal  and  show  them  plainly 
to  babes,  whom  he  "forbids  to  cast  their  pearls  before  swine,  (such  as  feed 
upon  the  husk,)  lest  they  trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again 
and  rend  them;"  yet  are  we  rent  with  divers  and  manifold  reproaches 
and  persecutions,  by  such  as  pretend  themselves  the  sheep  of  Christ  and 


*  Acts  vii.  48. 


|  John  xv.  18. 


t  2  Cor.  iv.  6. 


326 


people  of  God;  "but  by  thoir  fruits  ye  shall  know  them."  And  especially 
from  the  teachers  of  the  letter  of  all  sorts  do  we  meet  with  much  oppo- 
sition; but,  blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
their  strength  is  but  a  reed  of  Egypt,  where  death  and  darkness  are, 
which  may  be  felt;  and  the  Lord  is  drying  up  the  tongue  of  the  Egyp- 
tian sea,  and  he  will  make  the  rivers  islands,  and  dry  up  all  their  pools; 
and  this  shall  be  the  plague  of  Egypt,  and  of  all  the  heathen  that  will 
not  come  up  to  Jerusalem  to  worship  the  King,  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  even 
upon  them  shall  be  no  rain.*  And  the  true  worshippers  are  such  as 
worship  the  Father  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth.  He  that  hath  an 
jear  to  hear,  let  him  hear.  And  the  Lord  is  making  ways  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  rivers  in  the  desert;  and  the  wilderness  shall  sing  for  joy,  and 
the  desert  shall  blossom  as  a  rose,  and  grow  as  the  lily;  and  this  is  the 
Lord's  doing  by  his  own  arm,  that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  presence; 
who  is  confounding  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  bringing  the  under- 
standing of  the  prudent  to  nothing;  so  that  babes  and  sucklings  shall 
say,  "  Where  is  the  wise?  where  is  the  scribe?  where  is  the  disputer? 
where  is  he  that  can  count  the  towers?"  Hath  not  God  made  foolish  the 
wisdom  of  this  world  ?  The  world  by  all  their  wisdom  know  not  God. 

"I  thank  thee,0  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast 
hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them 
unto  babes;  even  so,  Father,  for  so  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  sight."f 

These  things  I  have  written  for  the  vindication  of  the  truth,  and  for 
the  manifesting  the  darkness  of  them  that  reproach  and  oppose  it  and 
them  that  live  in  it;  and  for  their  soul's  sake  that  have  any  true  breath- 
ings or  sincere  desires  after  the  true  knowledge  of  the  true  and  living 
God;  for  to  know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou 
hast  sent,  is  life  eternal. 

Query  I.  Whether  there  be  any  more  saviours  of  the  immortal  soul 
but  one,  that  is  able  to  save  it,  or  to  bring  salvation  to  it?  yea  or  nay. 
If  you  say,  nay,  there  is  but  one  able  to  save,  and  able  to  destroy,  as  the 
Lord  said,  "  Beside  me  there  is  no  saviour,"  and  "  there  is  no  other 
name  under  heaven,  by  which  men  can  be  saved,  but  Jesus  Christ." 

II.  Then,  whether  the  visible  person  of  flesh  and  bones  be  the  only 
saviour,  seeing  the  apostle  saith,  the  ingrafted  word  is  able  to  save  the 
soul;  and  the  grace  of  God,  that  bringeth  salvation,  hath  appeared  to 
all  men?  And  who  was  Enoch's  saviour,  and  the  prophet's,  who  were 
before  that  visible  flesh  and  bones  was? 

III.  Whether  the  visible  person  of  flesh  and  bones  be  the  ingrafted 
word?  Or  whether  that  person  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  seeing  that 


*  Zcch.  xiv. 


f  Milt.  xi.  25. 


3#J 


which  bringetli  salvation  hath!  Heave  it  to  thewitiiessof  God  in  you  all 
to  consider  and  judge.  For  if  you  say,  the  visible  man,  with  visible  flesh 
and  bone?,  is  the  alone  saviour,  (as  you  have  said,)  then  whether  this 
visible  man  be  in  the  hearts  of  people?  For.  the  apostle  preached  Christ, 
M  the  word,  nigh  in  the  heart  and  in  the  mouth,"  and  "the  ingrafted 
word  is  able  to  save  the  soul;"  so  he  did  not  preach  a  visible  Christ  with 
flesh  and  bones,  as  you  do,  (which  W.  B.  said  was  not  Christ,)  hut  the 
word.  And  Paul  preached  God  that  made  the  world,  &c.  that  was  "  not 
far  from  every  one  of  us,"  the  invisible  God;  hut  you  preach  a  visible 
man,  with  flesh  and  bones,  at  a  great  distance  from  all  people,  above, 
where  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  are,  as  M.  C.  said  his  saviour  was,  which 
he  owned  for  salvation.  So  let  all  people  read  with  moderation,  and 
sec  how  contrary  these  zealous  professors  are  to  the  apostles  of  Christ, 
who  desired  to  know  Christ  no  more  after  the  flesh :  and  Christ  said  to 
such,  "  Ye  worship  ye  know  not  what;  God  is  a  spirit,  and  they  that 
worship  him  must  worship  him  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth ;"  and 
God  dwells  and  walks  in  his  people,  according  to  his  promise. 

IV.  Whether  the  flesh,  which  you  call  visible,  be  not  the  vail  spoken 
of  Hebr.  x.  20  I  And  whether  the  pot  of  manna,  and  Aaron's  rod  that 
budded,  and  the  holiest  of  all  were  not  within  the  vail?  And  whether 
that  vail  in  the  old  time  was  not  a  type  of  this  vail,  through  which  this 
new  and  living  way  is  consecrated  for  us?  Read  Hebrews  x.,  and  under- 
stand what  ye  read. 

V.  And  whether  such  as  were  made  to  sit  together  in  heavenly  places 
in  Christ  Jesus,  who  would  know  him  no  more  after  the  flesh,  were  not 
come  within  the  vail,  where  the  true  bread  was,  which  nourished  their 
souls  up  unto  eternal  life,  which  the  manna  was  a  type  of? 

VI.  And  whether  the  bodies  of  the  saints  did  not  become  the  temples 
of  the  living  God?  and  did  not  he  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them? 
And  lie  that  knew  not  Christ  in  him,  was  not  he  a  stranger  to  the  new 
and  living  way,  and  a  reprobate  ?  Or  were  the  heavenly  places  in 
Christ,  where  they  sat,  above  the  skies? 

VII.  And  when  Matthew  Catfen  said,  his  saviour  was  up  in  the 
heaven,  where  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  are,  which  are  visible  without 
him;  did  he  not  then  ask  me,  where  my  God  was  that  I  worshipped  and 
served?  And  did  I  not  plainly  tell  him,  before  many  people,  that  he  dwelt 
in  me,  according  to  l>is  promise,  and  that  he  was  my  saviour?  And  didst 
nut  thou,  M.  C,  cry  out  with  a  loud  voice,  O  blasphemy !  just  like  the 
J*  \\s  ;tLi;iin>t  (  lirist,  and  them  that  stopped  their  ears  against  Stephen  : 
but  did  not  I  reply  to  thee,  then  call  the  scripture  blasphemy?  Nay, 
thou  mayst  as  well  call  the  Lord  blasphemer,  for  speaking  so;  for  they 
are  Ins  words  and  promises  to  his  people,  "1  will  dwell  in  them,  and  walk 
in  them :  1  will  be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people."  Here  all 


may  see  the  darkness  and  blindness  that  are  happened  to  these  men,  who 
do  withstand  the  truth  of  God,  and  his  precious  promises,  as  Jannes  and 
Jambres  withstood  Moses,  but  their  folly  will  be  made  manifest  to  all 
men,  as  theirs  was,  who  call  such  blasphemers  who  witness  the  promise 
of  the  Father,  which  Christ  bid  his  disciples  wait  for,  fulfilled. 

But  some  may  say,  if  God  and  Christ,  and  justification,  and  salvation, 
and  all  must  be  known  within ;  then  what  benefit  have  you  by  the  death 
and  sufferings  of  Christ  1  And  for  what  end  came  he  into  the  world  ?  And 
what  advantage  have  any  people  by  these  things  1 

Answer.  Much  every  way;  for,  first,  he  in  his  birth  and  coming  in 
the  flesh,  was  the  opening  of  a  door,  (though  under  a  vail  to  the  carnal 
eye,)  to  see  into  the  mysteries  of  his  kingdom,  which  was  at  hand,  as  he 
told  them;*  as,  his  being  born  of  a  virgin,  and  then  being  carried  into 
Egypt,  and  then  being  brought  back  again,  as  also  his  being  kept  out 
of  the  inn,  which  was  full  of  guests  in  the  days  of  taxing ;  and  his  being 
wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  in  a  manger,  showed  his  enter- 
tainment in  the  world,  and  among  the  professors  of  all  sorts,  that  saw  not 
the  invisible  life,  but  looked  at  the  visible  appearance;  and  so,  "  his  face 
was  more  marred  than  any  man's,  and  his  form  more  than  tfce  sons  of 
men." 

And  then  in  his  preaching,  he  told  for  what  end  he  was  born,  and 
came  into  the  world,  to  "  bear  witness  to  the  truth;"  and  so  he  fulfilled 
all  the  types,  and  shadows,  and  sacrifices  under  the  law,  by  his  offering 
once  for  all,  and  ended  them  for  ever.  And  so  a  body  was  prepared  to 
do  his  Father's  will,  who  would  not  have  any  more  such  sacrifices  and 
offerings,  but  a  new  and  living  way  must  be  consecrated,  for  the  people- 
through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say,  his  flesh,  which  was  offered  up  once  for 
all.  So  here  all  the  outward  offerings,  which  were  many  and  often, 
ended ;  and  now  the  offering  is  in  righteousness  in  that  which  exceeds 
the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  and  the  true  worship  is  now,  as  he  said,  in 
the  spirit  and  in  the  truth.  And  so,  as  they  offered  the  blood  of  bulls 
and  goats,  and  such  like  things,  in  their  sacrifices  for  sin  and  transgres- 
sion, so  Christ,  at  his  death  and  sufferings,  offered  a  body  of  flesh  and* 
blood,  which  was  prepared,  (as  I  said,)  to  that  end,  of  his  Father.  So 
he  did  his  Father's  will,  with  which  he  was  well  pleased,  saying,  "This  is 
my  beloved  son,  hear  ye  him."  So  that  God  is  in  Christ  reconciled :  and 
out  of  him  there  is  no  reconciliation,  nor  acceptable  sacrifice.  And  now 
all  must  heap  him,  who  said,  "  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life," 
and,  "  I  am  the  light  of  the  world" — "Believe  in  the  light,"  whose  name 
is  called,  "The  word  of  God,"  which  his  ministers,  in  his  stead,  preached 
"nigh  in  the  heart  and  in  the  mouth,"  and  forbade  saying,  "who  shall 
ascend  up  into  heaven,  to  bring  him  down,  or  descend  to  fetch  him  up," 


329 


<5lc.  7  But  the  word  of  reconciliation  they  had,  and  this  they  preached, 
♦hat  people  might  come  to  Christ,  and  be  reconciled  to  God ;  and  their 
fellowship  was  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  son  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
blood  of  Christ  did  cleanse  them,  and  yet  they  desire  to  know  him  no 
more  after  the  flesh.  But  these  things  are  parables  to  the  wise  men  of 
the  world.  Therefore  I  may  conclude,  as  the  apostle  did,  "  without 
controversy,  great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness:  God  was  manifest  in  the 
flesh,  justified  in  the  spirit,  seen  of  angels,  preached  unto  the  Gentiles, 
believed  on  in  the  world,  received  up  into  glory.'*  And  so  he  is  out  of 
your  sight,  who  deny  the  light  within ;  for  that  gives  the  knowledge  of 
his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  ye  may  read  2  Cor.  iv.  and  vi. 

*1  letter  to  the  mayor  of  London. 

Svmuel  Starling, — It  hath  often  been  in  my  heart,  to  lay  the  weight 
of  mv  present  saflerhlg  before  thee,  that  thou  mayst  consider,  that 
thou  art  Hie  chief  instrument  of  the  original  cause  and  ground  thereof, 
bv  committing  me  contrary  to  law  and  equity,  when  it  was  in  thy  power 
to  have  done  justice,  by  breaking  the  laws  of  the  wicked,  and  deliver- 
ing the  innocent  from  the  false  accuser  and  blood  thirsty.  And  also  in 
love  to  thy  soul,  to  warn  thee  to  repent  with  speed  whilst  thou  hast  a 
day  to  breathe,  lest  the  just  hand  of  the  Lord  cut  thee  off.  in  thine  ini- 
quitv,  because  thou  hast  stretched  forth  thy  hand  against  him  and  his 
people,  bv  persecuting  them  even  unto  bonds;  for  which  cause  the  Lord 
will  plead  with  ihee,  before  whom  no  exeuse  will  stand  thee  in  -tead: 
and  then  shalt  thou  know  that  we  are  his  faithful  servants,  whom  he 
hath  chosen  to  bear  testimony  to  his  holy  name  and  truth  agaidst  all 
unrighteousness  of  men.even  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  sinful  genera- 
tion. For  the  Lord  is  risen  to  exalt  truth  and  righteousness,  and  to 
throw  down  wickedness  and  unrighteousness';  and  this  work  he  hath 
begun  even  in  your  day.  which  many  of  you  will  not  believe,  who  gain- 
say and  withstand  the  truth,  as  Jannes  and  Jambres  withstood  Moses, 
whose  madness  and  folly  the  Lord  is  making  manifest,  even  to  all  men, 
as  theirs  was.  Therefore  I  say  again  unto  thee,  repent  with  speed, 
before  the  place  of  repentance  he  hid  from  thine  eyes:  and  do  justice, 
by  releasing  those  who  su tier  by  thee  for  conscience  sake.  And  inasmuch 
as  I  was  committed  by  thee,  contrary  to  equity*,  law,  and  reason,  I  could 
not  be  clear  till  I  had  laid  the>e  things  before  thee,  considering  the 
shortness  of  thy  time  in  this  world,  and  also,  how  un  justly  thou  hast  de- 
prived me.  my  wife,  and  tender  cbildren,  of  the  lawful  means  and  ho 
nest  emplovmenl  which  1  was  about  and  intending  to  have  persevered  in, 

42 


330 


for  their  subsistence,  whose  cries  will  be  a  witness  against  thee  in  the 
ears  of  the  just  God.  And  if  after  this  warning  thou  shalt  yet  remain 
hardened,  then  be  sure  the  Lord  will  smite  thee,  and  deprive  thee  both 
of  time  and  power,  so  that  when  thou  wouldst  do  good,  thou  wilt  not  be 
able.  And  all  thy  unfaithfulness  to  his  secret  witness  in  thy  heart,  which 
hath  often  pleaded  with  thee,  will  add  to  thy  condemnation;  and  then, 
what  covering  wilt  thou  have  to  hide  under,  who  hast  cast  the  servants 
and  brethren  of  Jesus  Christ  into  prison?  who  will  say  unto  many  of  you 
in  the  day  of  your  account,  "  Depart  ye  workers  of  iniquity  into  ever- 
lasting torment;"  where  crying  "Lord,  Lord,"  will  not  avail  the  hypo- 
crite- And  this  shalt  thou  witness  at  thy  latter  end  to  be  thy  state, 
except  thou  speedily  repent,  and  humble  thyself,  and  amend  thy  ways 
and  thy  doings,  by  doing  justly,  and  relieving  the  oppressed.  And  until 
thou  hast  done  this,  thou  shalt  never  have  true  peace  with  God;  but 
misery  and  destruction,  disappointments  and  trouble,  will  be  thy  portion 
from  his  hand,  and  his  judgments,  which  are  righteous,  will  follow  thee, 
even  to  thy  bed  chamber,  from  whose  presence  and  all-seeing  eye  thou 
canst  not  be  able  to  hide.  Rocks  and  mountains  shall  not  cover  the 
worker  of  iniquity :  for  every  work,  with  every  secret  thing,  the  righte- 
ous God  is  bringing  to  light,  and  he  will  certainly  reward  every. one  ac- 
cording to  his  works. 

And  now  I  am  clear  of  thy  blood,  and  eased  in  my  spirit,  having  wrarned 
thee  in  faithfulness,  and  in  love  to  thy  soul,  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come.  And  if  it  be  my  lot  to  finish  my  testimony  in  this  imprisonment, 
under  thy  hand,  I  am  content  in  the  will  of  my  God  to  live  or  die,  but 
be  sure  my  blood  will  the  Lord  require  at  thy  hand.  Therefore  re- 
member, that  thou  art  warned  by  a  friend  to  thy  soul,  though  so  un- 
known to  thee  but  only  by  the  name  of 

William  Bayly. 
Newgate  Prison,  the  4th  day  of  the  Eighth  month,  1670. 


A  FAITHFUL  TESTIMONY  AND  WARNING, 


Concerning  the  certainty  of  the  great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord, 
broken  forth  in  this  age,  after  the  long  night  of  apostacy,  wherein 
he  will  accomplish  his  great  and  glorious  work,  [determined,)  of 
redemption  and  restoration. 

With  something  concerning  the  sufficiency  of  the  grace  of  God,  which 
hath  appeared  to  all  men,  fyc.  Tit.  ii.  11.  And  of  the  true  light, 
which  lighteth  every  man  that  comet h  into  the  world,  John  1. 
With  a  brief  exhortation  to  them  that  believe  in  the  light,  and 
are  turned  from  the  darkness,  salon's  power,  to  God. 

And  a  few  words,  in  reply  to  such  as  query,  or  ash,  whether  did  you 
ever  hear  or  read  of  a  people,  in  all  the  scriptures,  that  lucre  qualc- 
crs;  .and  that  preached  of  a  light  ivilhin,  as  you  called  quakers 
do?  And  ivhether  you  own  the  scriptures  to  be  the  word  of  God? 
And  ivhether  you  do  not  hold  that  dangerous  tenet  of  perfection? 

All  briefly  answered,  and  given  forth  for  the  sake  of  the  simple,  to 
silence  the  foolish  ignorant,  and  to  reprove  the  scorner ;  that  all 
such  may  awake,  repent,  and  turn  to  the  Lord,  before  it  be  too 
late;  for  it  is  the  day  of  their  visitation.  In  true  love  to  all  your 
souls,  by  William  Bayly. 


The  great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord  is  now  dawned  and  broken 
forth,  which  hath  been  prophesied  of  since  the  beginning,  since  Adam 
transgressed,  "that  the  seed  of  the  woman  should  bruise  the  serpent's 
head and  by  the  mouths  of  his  holy  prophets,  from  Enoch  to  the 
days  of  Christ  and  his  apostles,  who  also  prophesied  of  this  day,  and  the 
work  which  therein  should  be  accomplished;  which  was  then  begun, 
though  hindered  by  the  apostacy,  for  a  time  foreseen,  and  for  an  end 
determined.  But  now  will  the  Lord  God  work,  and  none  shall  hinder; 
for  the  set  time  is  come. 

Isaiah  prophesied  of  this  day,  chap  ii.  2,  3.  And  Jeremiah  prophe- 
sied, cbap.  1.  And  Ezekiel,  xxxix.  And  Daniel,  xii.  And  Hosea,  chap, 
vi.  2, 3.  And  Joel,  chap.  ii.  And  Amos,  chap.  viii.  Obadiah,  vcr.  21.  Mic. 
iv.  Nahum,  i.  Habak.  i.  5.  and  ii.  20.  Zeph,  i.  12,  13,  14,  15,  &c. 
Hag.  ii.  23.  Zech.  vi.  and  chap.  ix.  8,  9,  to  the  end.  And  Malachi,  iii. 
1,  and  iv.  1,  &c.  And  John  the  Baptist,  Matt.  iii.  12.  And  Christ 
Jesus,  Matt.  xxiv.  30.  And  the  apostle  Paul,  2  Thess.  ii.  These  all 
prophesied  of  this  mighty  and  glorious  day,  wherein  God  would  "fifiisb 


332 


transgression,  and  make  an  end  of  sin,  and  bring  in  everlasting  righteous 
ness,"  and  make  "a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth,"  which  John  saw ;  antf 
"  exalt  the  mountain  of  his  own  house  above  all  the  hills,  and  establish 
it  atop  of  all  the  mountains,  and  many  people  should  flow  unto  it,  and 
flock  as  doves  to  the  windows."  And  that  this  "  day  of  the  Lord  should 
burn  as  an  oven,  and  all  the  proud  and  all  that  do  wickedly  should  be 
as  stubble ;  and  the  day  that  comes  shall  burn  them  up,  and  leave  nei- 
ther root  nor  branch  of  the  wicked."  "  And  the  day  of  the  Lord  shall 
be  upon  every  one  that  is  high  and  lifted  up,  and  he  shall  be  brought 
low,  and  the  Lord  alone  shall  be  exalted  in  that  day."  And  the  "  lit- 
tle stone"  which  Daniel  saw  "cut  out  of  the  mountain  without  hands," 
that  broke  the  great  divided  image  to  pieces,  and  "filled  the  whole 
earth."  And  the  time  wherein  many  should  be  tried,  and  purified,  and 
made  white,  but  the  wicked  doing  wickedly ;  and  "  the  knowledge  of 
the  glory  of  God  should  cover  the  earth,  as  the  water  covers  the  sea." 
This  is  the  work  which  the  eternal  God  is  now  doing  in  this  day  of  his 
power,  which  is  come  as  a  thief  in  the  night  upon  many,  who  will  not 
believe,  though  it  be  declared  unto  them. 

The  son  of  man  is  come,  and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  with 
power  and  great  glory.  The  tribes,  or  kindreds  of  the  earth,  mourning 
and  wailing  because  of  him,  who  is  come  in  thousands  of  his  saints,  or 
holy  ones,  to  judge  the  world,  and  convince  the  ungodly  of  their  ungodly 
deeds  and  hard  speeches ;  antichrist  and  son  of  perdition  revealed,  and 
consuming  by  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  shall  be  destroyed  by  the 
brightness  of  his  glory.  And  -the  son  of  God  is  come,  and  these  are 
signs  of  his  coming,  and  of  his  glory,  whom  the  princes  of  this  world 
never  knew.  The  fig-tree  hath  blossomed,  and  put  forth  her  tender 
bud ;  we  know  the  summer  is  nigh ;  the  body  is  known  to  which  the 
eagles  are  gathered;  the  two  in  the  field,  the  two  at  the  mill,  and  in 
the  bed  are  separated ;  and  the  unclean  spirits  are  tormented,  and  the 
devils  cast  out,  and  entered  into  the  herds  of  swine,  making  them  run 
with  violence  till  they  are  choked,  who  have  trampled  the  pearls  un- 
der their  feet,  and  turned  again  and  rended,  as  Christ  Jesus,  our  elder 
brother,  said  they  would  do.  And  the  dead  are  raised,  the  blind,  yea, 
the  born  blind,  receive  their  sight;  the  deaf  hear;  the  dumb  speak,  with 
new  tongues,  the  wonderful  things  of  God  ;  the  lame  walk;  the  lepers  are 
cleansed ;  and  the  poor  in  spirit  receive  the  gospel,  which  is  the  power 
of  God  to  salvation.  These  things  are  now  again  witnessed  and  ful- 
filled. 

The  great  day  of  the  lamb's  appearance  the  second  time  to  salvation, 
is  come ;  the  battle  of  the  great  God  is  begun ;  his  dividing  two-edged 
sword  is  drawn;  the  axe  is  laid  to  the  very  root  of  the  tree;  the  plough 
of  the  Almighty  is  entered  into  the  earth,  and  many  have  set  their 


333 


hands  to  it,  (blessed  be  the  Lord  God  for  ever,)  and  dare  not  look  back 
again  to  Sodom ;  and  the  world  is  turning  upside  down ;  and  the  un- 
quenchable fire  is  kindled  among  the  briars,  and  thorns,  and  stubble, 
and  it  will  consume  them. 

Wickedness  hath  made  the  whole  world  like  a  wilderness,  and  like  a 
garden  all  grown  over  with  thistles  and  nettles,  wherein  the  Lord  God 
cannot  take  delight,  but  hath  been  and  is  grieved  therewith,  and  great- 
ly dishonoured  and  provoked.  Great  hath  been  the  time  of  his  long- 
suffering;  long  hath  his  lily  lain  among  the  thorns,  his  tender,  innocent, 
holy  seed  under  the  clods  of  the  earth  and  rocks  of  the  mountains; 
grievous  and  long  have  been  the  oppressions  and  sufferings  of  the  lamb 
of  God,  since  the  foundation, of  the  world.  But  now  he  is  coming  up  in 
his  died  garments,  who  hath  trodden  the  wine-press  alone,  and  the  day 
of  vengeance  is  in  his  heart,  and  he  will  trample  the  oppressor  in  his 
fury;  for  the  year  of  his  redeemed  is  come. 

And  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Lot,  and  in  the  days  of  Noah,  so  shall  it 
be  at  the  coming  of  the  son  of  man,  with  power  and  great  glory ;  and 
this  is  witnessed.  And  the  clouds  of  heaven  have  received  him  out  of 
the  sight  of  all  the  gazers,  and  despisers,  and  wonderers,  that  perish,  and 
the  blind  Sodomites,  that  cannot  find  Lot's  door.  For  our  door  is  Christ 
Jesus,  and  he  is  the  truth,  and  the  way  to  the  Father,  and  kingdom  of 
God,  which  none  can  see,  except  a  man  be  born  again ;  and  whoever 
climbs  another  way,  is  a  thief  and  robber,  and  will  be  condemned  by 
him,  to  whom  all  judgment  is  committed,  which  stands  at  the  door. 
Read  within,  for  it  is  the  foolish  woman  that  is  without.  And  a  wit- 
ness hath  God  placed  in  every  man's  conscience,  according  to  whose 
righteous  judgment  he  will  judge  the  secrets  of  all  people.  And  this  is 
not  another  than  the  universal  light  of  the  sun  of  righteousness,  Christ 
Jesus,  who  is  come  with  his  fan  in  his  hand,  and  will  thoroughly  purge 
his  floor ;  and  is  now  setting  up  his  true  worship  again,  after  the  night 
of  apostacy,  as  he  spoke,  "  the  hour  is  coming,  &c."  This  hour  is  now 
come,  and  the  Father  is  seeking  true  worshippers  to  worship  him  in  the 
spirit  and  in  the  truth,  which  was  begun  sixteen  hundred  years  ago; 
and  these  only  are  the  true  worshippers.* 

Though  in  the  times  of  ignorance,  God  is  said  to  wink,  the  light  closed 
in,  or  not  so  manifested,  but  now  he  calls  all  men  every  where,  who  are 
in  darkness,  ignorance,  and  wickedness,  to  repent  and  turn  at  his  re- 
proofs, lest  they  die  in  their  sins,  and  so  never  come  to  enjoy  the  soul's 
rest,  which  is  prepared  for  the  obedient,  of  which  the  outward  sabbath 
was  a  figure;  as  all  the  other  of  the  temple -worship,  and  sacrifices,  and 
ceremonies  were  but  types,  figures,  and  shadows,  and  not  the  heavenly 


'  John  iv.  23,  24. 


334 


tilings  themselves,  no  more  than  the  shadow  of  a  man,  or  an  image 
drawn  of  him,  is  the  very  man  himself.  The  substance,  or  body,. is 
Christ,  as  it  is  written,  by  whom  the  world  was  made,  though  the  world 
knew  him  not.  He  was  in  the  world  before  Abraham  was,  or  Adam 
either;  the  word  of  Cod,  the  truth,  the  true  bread,  the  true  high-priest, 
I  (Tuple,  and  tabernacle,  the  true  prophet,  the  true  way,  and  true  rest 
to  the  immortal  soul;  of  which  living  immortal  substance  the  Lord  God 
expected  and  waited  to  see  if  the  people  would  perceive  something 
beyond  all  these  shadows  and  figures,  which  made  nothing  perfect, 
as  pertaining  to  the  conscience.  But  they  remaining  hardened,  and 
in  the  blindness  of  their  minds,  understood  not  Moses  and  the  pro- 
phets, though  they  had  their  writings  read  every  sabbath  day.  And  so, 
not  answering  the  mind  and  will  of  God,  but  persevering  in  sin  and 
wickedness,  and  depending  on  those  outside  things  commanded,  and  set- 
tled on  their  lees  and  name  of  profession,  the  Lord  raised  up,  and  sent 
his  servants  the  prophets,  to  cry  against  them,  both  priests,  rulers,  and 
people,  as  being  weary  of  the  multitude  of  their  sacrifices  and  services. 
'  And  their  holy  things  became  abominable  to  him,  "  the  sacrificing  a 
lamb,  as  if  they  had  cut  offa  dog's  neck;  and  oblations  and  incense,  as 
if  they  blessed  an  idol,  and  offered  swine's  blood,"  the  life  of  a  swine. 
This  was  their  state,  by  reason  of  their  gross  hearts  and  deaf  cars, 
which  were  hardened  and  stopped  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  in 
which  they  continued,  so  that  none  truly  sought  after  God,  but  were 
all  out  of  the  way  of  peace  and  true  atonement.  Gross  darkness  co- 
vered the  people.  The  ox  and  ass  knew  their  owner  and  master's  crib, 
better  than  these  knew  their  Maker,  whose  love  and  tender  care  were 
towards  them,  in  visiting  them,  that  their  souls  might  live.  For  thai 
was  the  cry  of  his  servants,  beyond  p.11  their  profession  and  worship, 
"Turn  ye,  turn  ye;  why  will  you  die  and  perish  in  your  iniquities V 
For  iniquity  and  sin  was  their  ruin,  as  God  forewarned  them  of  it ;  for 
that  was  the  cause  of  his  anger  that  was  kindled  against  them,  and  of 
hiding  his  face,  and  withholding  good  things  from  them.* 

And  this  is  the  same  partition  wall  at  this  day,  among  all  blind,  hard- 
hearted, polluted  Christendom,  who  are  rending  and  tearing  about 
shadows,  and  devouring  one  another  about  fading,  perishing  things,  not 
minding  the  mighty  day  of  God,  that  is  now  come  and  coming,  wherein 
your  heavens  shall  be  on  fire,  and  elements  melt  with  fervent  heat, 
for  it  burns  like  an  oven,  and  the  old  earth  and  its  works  must  be  burnt 
up,  root  and  branch.  This  work  is  begun  amongst  ye,  though  the  blind 
cannot  see,  who  have  eyes  and  see  not,  and  ears  and  hear  not,  like  the 
old  Jews.    And  now  thousands  of  rams,  and  ten  thousand  of  rivers  of 


*ls.  lix.  1. 


335 


oil,  will  do  no  good,  as  pertaining  to  the  conscience.    Nay,  if  I  should 
"  give  the  first  born  of  my  body  for  the  sin  of  my  soul,"  it  would  not  be 
accepted.    For  it  is  only  the  blood  of  the  son  of  God,  the  life,  as  of  a 
lamb  without  spot  and  blemish,  that  can  redeem  it  out  of  transgression, 
and  reconcile  it  unto  God,  who  had  a  body  prepared  in  the  fulness  of 
time,  to  end  all  the  outward  sacrifices  under  the  law,  through  which  the 
new  and  living  way  was  consecrated  through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say,  his 
flesh;  which  vail  all  blind  professors  and  profane  in  Christendom,  cannot 
yet  sec  through  to  this  day,  no  more  than  the  blind  Jews,  and  blind 
guides  could  see  the  end  of  Moses  and  the  prophet's  words,  to  the  ever- 
lasting priesthood,  andworship  inthespirit  andin  the  truth,  within  the  vail, 
though  they  had  the  scriptures;  who  cannot  see  to  the  beginning,  beyond 
the  visibles,  to  the  "only  wise,  invisible  God,"  before  bread,  and  water, 
and  wine,  and  books,  and  priests'  lips,  that  preach  for  money,  and  hire, 
and  "gain  from  their  quarter;"  which  the  prophets  saw  beyond,  and 
cried  against,  and  them  that  "  bear  rule  by  their  means,"  which  was  a 
filthy  and  horrible  thing.    And  Abraham  saw  Christ's  day  before  Moses 
was  born.   And  John  the  Baptist  saw  beyond  the  water,  to  the  fire  and 
holy  ghost's  plunging,  to  the  Christ  that  was  before  him,  and  to  the  fan 
in  his  hand,  and  preferred  before  him;  saying,  "  He  must  increase,  but  1 
must  decrease."    Yet  John  was  born  (outwardly)  before  him,  and  his 
ministry  a  forerunner,  and  signifier  of  the  day  at  hand  of  thorough 
purging,  and  fanning  the  chaff  from  the  wheat,  by  the  unquenchable  fire. 

Hear  this,  ye  professors  of  Christ  Jesus,  who  feed  upon  husks!  Can 
ye  believe  this  work  is  now  again  begun ;  and  that  fire  can  swallow  up 
water,  as  in  the  days  of  old  ?  and  that  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat,  as  was  prophesied  of ;  and  John  Baptist  decreasing  by  de- 
grees, till  there  is  no  water  left  to  comfort  the  soul,  but  of  that  sort  the- 
man  in  hell  torment  wanted,  which  the  true  believer,  and  Abraham, 
and  Lazarus  had  enough  of;  as  Christ  said,  "  He  that  believeth  in  me, 
as  the  scripture  hath  said,  out  of  his  belly,  (or  inmost  parts.)  shall  flow  a 
river  of  living  water,  which  shall  be,  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing 
up  unto  eternal  life."  And  "  He  that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my 
blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him."  And  "  Except  ye  eat  my  flesh, 
and  drink  my  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you." 

Was  not  this  a  hard  saying?  And  many  more  he  had  to  say  to  them, 
which  they  could  not  bear  then,~nor  can  many  bear  them  now :  though 
they  profess  the  same  in  words,  the  life  they  are  ignorant  of,  that  ga\c 
them  forth,  which  God  hath  manifested  to  them  that  have  waited  for 
his  pure  spiritual  appearance.  And  the  day  is  come,  wherein  the  true 
worship  is  set  up  again,  as  I  have  said,  after  the  apostacv,  fche  falling 
away  from  the  true  life,  the  power  and  the  spirit  of  God,  and  from  the 
true  worship  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth,  as  was  lore  told  by  Paul  to 


336 


the  Thessalonians,  and  seen  by  John.*  And  the  fall  of  Babylon  and 
antichrist,  whom  the  Lord  would  "  consume  and  destroy  by  the  bright- 
ness of  his  coming:"  and  Babylon  should  never  rise  more  at  all,  the  great 
city  of  confusion ;  and  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  should  "  come  down 
like  a  bride  adorned  for  her  husband,"  which  should  have  no  need  of 
the  elementary  lights,  but  "  the  glory  of  God  and  the  lamb  is  the  light 
thereof."    If  ye  have  ears  to  hear,  hear. 

And  now  is  Babylon  fired  at  both  ends,  and  "  the  archers  are  come 
up  against  her  out  of  the  north  country ,"f  as  Jeremiah  saw,  that  should 
"make  her  desolate;"  whose  bow  is  bent  by  the  strength  of  God,  and 
she  must  fall ;  for  strong  is  the  Lord  that  judgeth  her.  Rocks  nor  moun- 
tains cannot  hide  her  from  the  wrath  of  the  lamb,  flee  whither  she  can 
from  the  stroke  of  the  Almighty's  holy  life,  that  is  come  forth,  conquer- 
ing and  to  conquer,  like  a  man  of  war,  to  plead  with  all  flesh  by  lire 
and  sword;  who  is  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords ;  whom  the  armies  in 
heaven  follow,  whose  "  name  is  called,  the  word  of  God"  him  by  whom 
the  world  was  made;  who  hath  taught  their  hands  to  war,  and  fingers 
to  fight,  in  this  battle  of  the  great  God,  "against  principalities  and 
powers,  and  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places  ;"  whose  "  weapons  are 
not  carnal,  but  spiritual,  and  mighty  through  God,  to  the  pulling  down 
of  the  strong  holds  of  satan,"  the  old  serpent,  who  is  king  of  Babylon. 

Therefore,  flee  out  of  her  for  your  lives,  as  Lot  out  of  Sodom ;  for  fire 
is  come  down  from  God,  that  will  consume  her.  And  he  will  bring 
forth  his  glorious  work,  his  new  creation,  which  hath  been  long  deter- 
mined, and  none  shall  hinder  it;  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
his  work,  now  begun  in  the  earth.  The  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it, 

And  now  a  few  words  to  you  in  particular,  that  cry  out  against  the 
grace  of  God,  which  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  as  insufficient  for  salva- 
tion; and  yet  profess  the  scriptures  to  be  your  rule,  that  testify  of  the 
sufficiency  of  it.  As  the  J^ord  God  said  to  his  servant  Paul,  in  his  trouble 
and  affliction,  "  my  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee."J  And  "by  grace  are  we 
saved,  not  of  ourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God."§  And  God  called  it,  his 
strength ;  "  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness."  Now,  where  did 
Paul,  or  any  other  of  the  saints  in  light,  leave  a  testimony  behind  I  hem 
of  its  insufficiency,  inability,  or  weakness,  whose  words  you,  that  have 
thus  cried,  profess  to  be  your  rule? 

Show  mejrour  rule  for  this,  except  from  the  liar  from  the  beginning, 
which  is  your  exact  parallel.  For  God  said  to  Adam  and  his  wife,  *'Jf 
ye  eat  of  the  tree  of  knowledge,  ye  shall  surely  die,"  the  serpent  said, 


2  Thess.  ii.  \  Jer.  I.  \  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  §  Ephea.  ii.  8. 


337 


in  contradiction,  "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die."  Cod  said  to  Paul,  "  my 
grace  is  sufficient ;"  but  you  have  said,  "  it  is  not  sufficient,"  like  your 
father,  whose  work  you  do,  notwithstanding  your  profession.  God  calls  it 
his  strength ;  you  say,  it  is  weakness  and  unable.  The  apostle  that 
proved  it,  and  knew  its  effectual  work,  said,  "  it  brings  salvation ;"  and 
"  the  ingrafted  word  was  able  to  save  their  souls ;"  and  they  were  com- 
mitted "to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  was  able  to  build  them  up  (mark!) 
and  to  give  them  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified."* 
Here  ye  may  read  of  his  ability.  And  the  spirit  of  grace  and  supplica- 
tion was  prophesied  of,  to  be  poured  forth ;  and  "  it  is  the  spirit  that  giveth 
life  (as  Christ  Jesus  said)  the  flesh  profits  nothing."  So,  consider  these 
things,  and  see  if  ye  be  not  in  the  opposing  and  gainsaying  God,  Christ 
Jesus,  and  his  apostles,  like  Jannes  and  Jambres  resisting  the  truth.f 
And  let  God's  witness  in  you  answer,  and  let  all  people  judge. 

And  was  not  the  fulness  which  was  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  glory  John 
beheld  in  him,  grace  and  truth?  And  are  not  grace  and  truth  one?  Were 
not  they  saved  by  grace?  And  did  not  the  truth  make  them  free,  who 
received  it  with  meekness,  in  the  love  of  it?  Doth  not  the  scripture  testify 
these  things,  which  you  call  your  rule?  Or  are  they  false  witnesses 
that  gave  them  forth  ?  Consider  it  well  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in 
coolness,  for  that  is  the  beginning  of  true  wisdom.  And  leave  off  lying, 
and  learn  to  speak  every  one  truth  to  his  neighbour.  And  do  not  smite 
your  fellow  servants,  for  we  profess  one  God  and  Christ  for  salvation, 
nor  eat  and  drink  with  the  drunken,  as  ye  have,  any  more.  But  be 
sober  and  watch,  lest  the  Lord  come  upon  you  unawares,  and  cut  you 
asunder,  and  give  you  your  portion  with  liars,  hypocrites,  and  persecu- 
tors ;  for  God  is  not  mocked,  what  you  sow  shall  you  reap.  And  this  i* 
in  true  love  to  your  souls. 

Are  not  the  grace,  the  light,  and  the  truth  one?  And  are  not  the  power 
and  spirit  of  God  one?  And  is  not  God  light  ?  Are  not  the  word,  the  Fa- 
ther, and  son  one?  And  is  not  Christ  the  light,  and  the  truth,  and  the 
life?  And  is  not  he  the  door,  and  the  way  to  everlasting  rest  ?  Is  there 
any  inheritance  among  the  sanctified  ones,  but  by  him,  whose  name  is 
called  «  The  word  of  God,"  "  the  alpha  and  the  omega?"  And  if  there 
be  a  thousand  names,  were  they  not  all  of  one?  Was  not  the  holy  thing  in 
Mary  called  "the  son  of  God,"  and  "Immanuel,"  "God  with  us,"  and 
"  Jesus?"  For  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins.  Are  there  not 
many  names  given  to  one  saviour?  Or  are  there  any  more  saviours  of 
the  immortal  soul  in  this  case,  beside  this  one,  that  can  save  his  people 
from  their  sins,  seeing  God,  who  is  light,  has  said,  "  Beside  me  there  is 
no  saviour ;  I  know  not  any."J    Now,  if  you  can  find  out  another,  be- 


*  Acts  xx.  32.         f  2  Tim,  iii.  8.         *  is.  xliii.  11,  and  xliv.  S. 

43 


33S 


■ide  him  who  is  the  word  in  the  beginning,  you  are  wiser  than  the  old 
serpent  made  Adam,  when  he  beguiled  them,  or  else  you  are  fools,  and 
blind  in  your  imaginations. 

Therefore,  come  to  the  true  trial*.  The  light  will  make  you  and  your 
airy  minds,  dark  hearts,  and  vain  thoughts  manifest,  if  ye  will  but  bring 
all  to  it;  and  teach  you  to  speak  and  do  truth,  and  to  stand  in  awe,  and 
be  still,  that  he  may  go  before  you  and  lead  you,  in  whom  there  is  no 
occasion  of  stumbling.  This  was  the  saints'  walking  place,  and  this 
grace  of  God  was  their  teacher,  wherein  they  witnessed  the  blood  of 
cleansing,  as  ye  may  read. 

And  this  grace  of  God  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  and  it  is  the  gift 
and  talent  which  he  hath  given,  according  to  measure,  to  every  one  to 
profit  withal,  of  which  he  will  require  an  account,  how  it  hath  been 
improved  to  his  glory,  your  neighbours'  benefit,  and  your  own  souls'  com- 
fort. 

"  For  this  is  the  condemnation  of  the  world,  that  light  is  come  into 
the  world,  and  men  loved  darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds 
were  evil."  The  condemnation  is  not  because  ye  had  not  a  talent,  but 
because  it  is  not  improved,  but  hid,  or  buried  in  the  earth.  For  the 
free  gift  is  come  upon  all,  Jew  and  Gentile,  through  one.  "  Grace  and 
truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ,"  who  "lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into 
the  world."  This  is  glad  tidings,  the  gospel  preached  to  every  creature. 
Therefore,  deceive  not  yourselves  with  lying  vanities,  neither  feed  on 
husks,  and  that  which  dies  of  itself;  but  remember  the  strait  gate 
and  narrow  way,  that  lead  in  the  regeneration,  in  the  daily  cross,  to 
life  eternal.  For  your  great  notions  and  talk  of  religion,  church,  and 
worship,  will  not  save  you,  nor  give  you  an  inheritance  with  the  saints 
in  light,  while  you  love  darkness,  and  live  in  it,  if  ye  had  all  the  words 
of  holy  men  from  the  beginning  to  this  day,  and  of  what  Christ  did  and 
suffered.  This  is  all  but  crying  "Lord,  Lord,"  while  the  heart  is  far  off, 
and  the  true  God  and  his  worship,  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  is  not  known  by 
you.  For  such  the  Father  is  now  seeking  to  worship  him,  who  wor- 
ship him  in  the  spirit,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh.  As  a  shep- 
herd seeketh  out  his  sheep  in  the  day  when  they  are  scattered  abroad, 
he  is  gathering  from  the  mouths  of  the  idol  shepherds,  and  from  off  all 
the  barren  mountains,  into  the  fresh  pastures  of  life  and  peace,  unto  the 
fold  of  everlasting  rest,  where  no  ravenous  beast  can  come.  Glory  to 
the  Lord  God  for  evermore.  And  against  this  his  work,  now  begun,  gog 
and  magog  shall  never  prevail. 

The  great  day  of  the  feast  is  come,  wherein  he  is  inviting  the  poor  in 
spirit,  the  hungry  and  thirsty  souls.  The  year  of  his  redeemed  is  come, 
and  the  day  of  vengeance  is  in  his  heart ;  which  day  the  apostle  saw, 
and  wrote  of,  that  should  come  after  the  apostacy  or  frilling  away,  where 


339 


the  man  of  sin  should  be  consumed  and  destroyed;  and  the  great  and 
glorious  work  of  restoration  determined,  should  be  accomplished. 

And  this  is  from  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  whether  they  will  hear  or  forbear. 

#  .  '  *  -  ••• '  •<-•  ■    '.  :*^"">V.  ■ 

I  have  a  few  words  more  to  all  you  that  slight  and  make  a  mock 
at  the  light  within,  as  a  foolish,  erroneous,  and  ^contempt ihh 
thing. 

O  ye  brutish  among  men !  and  fools  that  hate  knowledge,  and  igno- 
rant of  the  scriptures  of  truth,  of  the  prophets,  Christ,  and  the  apostles, 
which  testify  of  the  true  light,  "that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh 
into  the  world,"  of  which  Moses  wrote,  and  John  bore  witness,  (John  i. 
9.)  though  you  profess  their  words !  And  Abraham  saw  Christ's  day, 
the  true  light.  Did  he  see  it  within  or  without  1  Answer  me.  And 
Enoch  walked  with  God  before  the  scriptures  were  given  forth.  And 
John's  message  was,  that  "  God  is  light."  And  God  said  of  his  people, 
"I  will  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them."  Is  not  this  the  light  within? 
or  is  God  changed?  Did  not  Isaiah  say  the  Lord  was  "an  everlasting 
light,"  and  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  was  everlasting  strength;  and  bid  peo- 
ple trust  in*  him;  and  that  he  had  wrought  all  their  works  in  them? 
And  did  not  the  apostle  say,  "  It  is  God  that  worketh  in  you,  both  to 
will  and  to  do  of  his  own  good  pleasure."  And  do  you  not  make  a  mock 
at  God  and  Christ,  (that  dwelleth  in  his  peop'e,)  and  at  the  scriptures, 
you  that  mock  at  the  light  within  ?  Did  not  the  light  that  shined  in 
the  saints,  give  them  the  true  knowledge  of  the  only  true  God,  and  his 
glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ  ?  Or  did  ever  any  know  the  true  God, 
and  Jesus  Christ,  (which  is  life  eternal,)  by  a  light  without?  seeing  the 
scripture  saith,  "  The  things  of  God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  spirit  of 
God,"*  by  which  they  are  revealed.  And  "  no  man  knows  the  Father 
but  the  son,  and  he  to  whom  the  son  will  reveal  him."f  And  "  the  in- 
spiration of  the  Almighty  giveth  man  understanding."!  Whether  this 
spirit,  inspiration,  and  revelation  be  within  or  without  ?  And  by  what 
did  Abel,  Enoch,  and  Noah,  and  many  others,  know  God,  before  the 
scriptures  were  given  forth  ?  Or  whether  the  invisible  God,  which  is 
a  spirit,  was  ever  seen  by  any  carnal  or  visible  eye,  seeing  Israel  saw 
no  similitude,  but  only  heard  a  voice? 

May  I  not  say  to  such,  "Go  to  the  beasts,  and  they  shall  teach  thee; 
and  to  the  fowls,  and  they  shall  instruct  thee."§  Hath  not  God  in  his 
universal  love  and  tender  care,  ordained  a  universal  light  and  sun  to 

•  2  Cor.  ii.  9,  10, 11.     f  Matt-  xi-  27-      *  Job  xxxii-  8-     §  Deut- iv-  12«  15>  16> 


340 


shine  without,  for  the  well  heing,  comfort,  and  refreshment  of  all  crea- 
tures, man  and  beast,  even  of  the  mortal  bodies,  throughout  the  habita- 
ble parts  of  the  earth?  Who  causeth  his  sun  to  shine,  and  rain  to  fall  on 
the  just  and  unjust. 

And  hath  he  not  afforded  or  ordained  a  universal  light  and  «un  of 
righteousness  for  the  immortal  soul,  the  inner  man,  for  its  help,  comfort, 
and  refreshment;  which  is  of  far  greater  value  in  his  sight  than  the 
mortal  creatures'?  If  he  be  thus  straitened,  and  his  arm  and  hand  of 
love  thus  shortened,  when  came  this  to  pass  ?  Seeing  his  people  and 
children  have  found  him,  in  all  ages,  unchangeable,  the  same  yesterday, 
to-d-ay,  and  forever;  who  taught  his  followers,  to  be  "merciful,  as  their 
heavenly  Father  is  merciful;"  who  "would  have  all  men  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  be  saved,"* 

Oh !  the  blindness  that  is  happened  to  people  professing'  Christianity, 
to  despise  and  deride  so  glorious  a  comfort!  It  is  no  less  than  the  mani- 
festation of  the  spirit  of  truth,  which  guides  and  leads  its  children  into 
all  truth,  and  shows  them  things  to  come.  My  soul  pities  you,  and  I 
could  even  mourn  in  secret  for  you,  knowing  how  miserable  your  feet 
will  stumble  at  the  dark  mountains,!  who  hate  the  light,  and  the  mock- 
ers' bands  be  made  strong.J 

I  will  ask  you  this  question,  and  let  the  whole  world  answer  me,  if 
they  can:  what  will  become  of  the  immortal  part,  or  inner  man,  which 
must  have  a  being  forever,  when  the  body  or  outward  man  is  perished? 
What  will  be  its  state,  when  deprived  of  all  visible  or  outward  light  to 
all  eternity,  and  the  light  within  wholly  rejected ?§  And  whether  that 
state  be  not  the  utter  darkness  spoken  of,  where  neither  any  glory  nor 
benefit  can  be  seen,  but  torment,  from  the  light  within  ?  Consider  it 
well  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  what  will  be  thy  portion,  when  the  desire, 
beauty,  and  comforts  of  thine  outward  eyes  are  gone,  and  thou  gone  to 
thy  long  home,  if  thou  hast  no  benefit  of  the  light  within  to  comfort  thee? 
Blessed  are  the  eyes  that  see,  and  the  heart  that  understands  and  be- 
lieves in  the  light;  for  such  become  the  children  of  light,  as  Christ  said, 
and  they  are  the  children  of  God:  for  "God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no 
darkness  at  all."J| 

Objection.  But  some  may  object  and  say,  how  can  any  be  in  utter 
darkness,  seeing  thou  affirmest,  every  one  in  the  world  is  lighted  with 
the  true  light  of  Christ  Jesus;  and  that  it  is  the  talent  or  gift,  given  to 
every  man  to  profit  withal;  and  that  all  must  give  an  account  of  the 
improvement  of  it?  And  how  is  it  said  to  be  taken  from  a  man,  and  he 
cast  into  utter  darkness? 

*  1  Tim.  ii.  4.  f  Jer.  xiii.  16.  *  Isa.  xxviii.  22.  §  Mat.  xxr. 

||  1  John  i.  5. 


341 


Answ.  It  is  thus  taken  away;  through  disobedience  to  it,  (the  not  im- 
proving of  it,)  the  benefit  and  comfort  of  it  is  lost;  and  if  a  man  live  and 
die  in  the  state  of  rebellion,  it  only  remaineth  in  him  as  a  tormenting 
worm,  that  never  dies.  And  thus  you  may  read  of  the  wicked  and 
slothful  servant,  who  had  a  talent,  and  did  not  improve  it,  as  required, 
but  hid  it  in  the  earth,  (read  within.)  this  was  his  condemnation,  and 
this  is  the  fire  that  never  goes  out.  And  the  rich  man  in  hell  torment, 
who  had  lived  in  the  fulness  of  pleasures,  had  enough  to  see  himself  in 
darkness,  and  tormented  in  the  flame,  and  Abraham  and  Lazarus  in  joy 
and  comfort;  which  added  to  his  misery,  and  not  to  his  refreshment;  for 
he  desired  but  a  little  of  their  water,  and  could  not  get  it,  as  ye  may 
see.* 

And  it  was  said  of  them  that  separated  themselves  from  the  saints  in 
light,  that  they  were  "sensual,  having  not  the  spirit:"  that  is,  they,  not 
being  guided,  led,  and  taught  by  it,  but  disobedient  to  it,  had  not  the 
benefit  and  comfort  of  it,  nor  a  right  understanding  by  it  of  the  way  of 
God,  nor  true  knowledge  of  the  work  and  mysteries  of  God,  which  were 
the  things  that  belong  to  their  everlasting  peace;  but  it  reproved  and 
condemned  them  for  their  rebellion,  as  it  is  written,  "The  rebellious 
dwell  in  a  dry  land."f 

But  the  apostles  and  servants  of  God,  who  were  led  by  it,  had  the 
comfort  of  it,  and  it  abode  with  them  so  forever;  and  they  handled, 
tasted,  and  felt  the  word  of  life,  which  was  in  the  beginning,  and  they 
fed  upon  it,  and  it  nourished  and  strengthened  them  with  all  might  in 
the  inner  man;  and  it  was  a  sword  and  armour  to  them,  a  defence 
against  evil  and  darkness.  And  others,  they  cast  it  behind  their  backs, 
and  so  must  needs  go  in  darkness;  for  the  word  is  a  light  to  their  feet 
that  take  heed  to  it;  and  it  is  powerful.  So  people  leave  that  which  is 
powerful  behind  them,  and  then  complain,  they  have  no  power.  This 
is  the  state  of  the  disobedient:  "But  to  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them 
he  gave  power,  (even  to  as  many  as  believe  in  his  name,J  to  become 
the  sons  of  God;"  and  "He  is  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  to  as  many 
as  obey  him."J 

And  so,  disobedience  is  the  ground  of  man's  ruin  and  destruction,  and 
not  the  insufficiency  of  God's  gifts,  or  any  straitness  in  him  towards  man- 
kind. 

So,  remember  you  are  warned,  and  it  is  the  day  of  your  visitation 
from  the  Lord  God,  in  love  to  your  immortal  souls;  and  prize  your  inch 
of  precious  time,  and  fear  God,  and  give  glory  to  him,  and  worship  him 
that  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  fountains  of  water ;  for  the  hour 
of  his  judgments  is  come,  in  which  Babylon  must  fall,  and  his  invisible 


Luke  xvi.  23,  24,  25,  26. 


t  Psal.  Ixviii.  <3. 


*  Heb.  v.  9. 


342 


glory  be  revealed  more  and  more,  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  till  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  become  the  Lord's ;  and  he  shaft  reign  for  ever  and 
ever,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  hast  hid 
these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  this  world,  and  revealed  them 
to  babes ;  for  so  it  pleaseth  thee. 

A  few  words,  in  true  breathings  of  love,  unto  you  that  are  turned, 
in  this  day  of  his  power,  from  darkness  to  the  light,  and  do  be- 
lieve in  it,  and  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious. 

Dear  friends,  dwell  in  it;  dwell  low,  and  cool,  and  still,  in  the  dread 
of  the  Lord,  (wisdom's  gate  and  door,)  and  there  keep  your  watch,  and 
be  sober ;  for  your  enemy  seeks  to  devour  you ;  all  opportunities  he 
waits  for  his  prey,  to  catch  and  destroy  your  poor,  tender  souls,  who 
are  escaping  from  him,  whose  desires  are  after  God  and  things  above. 
Remember,  it  is  the  old  serpent;  and  he  wants  neither  age  nor  cunning; 
he  is  still  more  subtle  than  any  beast,  and  is  cursed  forever.  Ybu  have 
no  armour  against  him  like  the  armour  of  light ;  therefore  keep  it  on, 
and  watch  and  pray  continually,  and  wrestle  against  this  principality 
and  power  of  darkness,  the  enemy  of  mankind,  which  lies  near  to  many; 
and  then  he  cannot  enter,  he  cannot  spoil  you,  nor  sow  his  tares  of  cor- 
ruption and  wickedness ;  but  while  men  sleep  he  sows  them.  That  was 
his  first  opportunity,  while  men  slept,  and  hath  always  been,  and  is  the 
same  now,  and  no  other.  So,  dear  friends,  keep  your  watch,  it  is  the 
word  of  the  Lord  to  you;  then  you  keep  out  the  enemy,  and  over 
him,  in  true  dominion  and  peace ;  and  your  soul  is  comforted,  and  God 
glorified,  and  his  work  prospers  in  the  earth,  which  praiseth  him,  who 
hath  wonderfully  and  graciously  appeared,  in  this  his  day,  for  the  deli- 
verance of  his  chosen;  and  he  will  appear  more  and  more,  till  Jerusalem 
is  made  the  praise  of  the  whole  earth,  and  none  shall  hinder. 

W.  B. 

An  answer  to  those  cries  among  some  ignorant  people,  viz. 

Where  did  you  ever  hear  or  read,  in  all  the  scriptures,  of  a  people 
called  Quakers;  and  that  preached  of  a  light  within  people,  as  you 
Quakers  do? 

Jind  is  not  your  religion  a  new  religion,  of  about  twenty  years' 
standing,  not  heard  of  before? 


343 

Jind  whether  you,  called  Quakers,  do  not  deny  the  scriptures  to 
be  the  word  of  God? 

And  whether  you  do  not  hold  that  dangerous  tenet  of  perfection 
in  this  life? 

Given  forth  for  the  sake  of  the  simple  inquirer,  and  to  silence  the 
ignorance  of  foolish  men,  and  to  reprove  the  scorners,  who  err,  not 
knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the  power  of  God. 

As  for  our  religion,  it  is  no  new  religion,  neither  is  it  only  of  a  late 
standing,  as  you  suppose;  and  yet  as  new  to  many  now,  as  Christ  was 
unto  the  Jews,  who  did  not  believe  his  doctrine. 

For  the  light  is  a  new  and  a  strange  thing  to  such  as  were  born  olind, 
and  have  always  lived  in  darkness,  though  it  hath  been  the  standing 
rule  and  path  of  the  just  from  the  beginning,  as  you  may  read  and  see, 
if  you  are  not  still  blind,  in  what  followeth. 

Though  the  name  Quaker  has  been  given  us  in  reproach  and  scorn, 
by  scoffers  and  mockers,  (which  the  apostle  said  would  be  in  the  last 
days.)  yet  we  know,  that  the  holy  men  and  servants  of  God  of  old,  did 
witness  quaking  and  trembling,  who  would  have  been  mocked  by  you, 
had  they  been  in  your  days ;  who  were  quakers  and  tremblers,  and 
preached  the  light  above  twenty  hundred  years  ago,  as  ye  may  read  in 
the  scriptures  of  truth,  from  the  mouths  of  more  than  two  or  three 
witnesses,  herein  mentioned,  which  is  but  in  short  of  what  may  be  de- 
clared. 

1.  Moses,  a  servant  of  God,  by  whose  hand  the  Lord  wrought  mighty 
wonders,  and  delivered  his  people  out  of  Egypt,*  the  land  of  darkness; 
he  was  a  quaker  and  a  trembler ;  and  all  the  people  of  the  camp  trem- 
bled.f 

2.  Those  that  trembled  at  the  words  and  commandment  of  God,  were 
the  choice  men,  and  chief  in  counsel  with  Ezra,  and  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  in  building  the  temple.J  See  whom  the  Lord  chooseth  to  do  his 
work. 

3.  Ezekiel,  a  prophet  and  servant  of  God,  who  did  and  wrought  great 
things  in  his  day,  was  a  quaker  and  trembler.§ 

4.  And  Isaac  trembled  very  exceedingly.  Would  not  you,  like  Ish- 
mael,  have  mocked  such  an  exceeding  trembler,  and  called  him  Quaker, 
had  he  been  in  your  days?  Consider  it.|| 

5.  Job,  a  servant  of  God,  who  saw  God,  and  knew  his  redeemer  lived 
in  his  day,  an  upright  man,  trembled.1I 

6.  And  Daniel,  a 'man  greatly  beloved  of  God,  in  whom  was  an  ex- 


*  Exod.  xix.  16.  f  Heb.  xii.  21.  *  Exra  xi.  4.  and  x. 

i.  18.  |  Gen.  xxvii.  33.       •  f  Job  xxi.  6.  and  xix.  25. 


Ezek 


344 


cellent  spirit  of  light  and  understanding,*  he  was  a  trembler,  and  the 
men  with  him  quaked ;  and  we  do  not  read  the  heathens  mocked  them, 
nor  called  them  Quakers.  And  king  Darius  made  a  decree,  "  that  all 
men  fear  and  tremble  before  the  God  of  Daniel."f 

7.  And  David,  a  man  after  God's  own  heart,  was  a  trembler,  who 
did  great  things  for  God  and  his  people;  but  he  was  the  song  of  the 
drunkards,  and  despised  of  Saul's  daughter,  his  wife^J 

8.  Habakkuk,§ 

9.  Jeremiah,|| 
10.  Joel,  and! 
|1.  Amos,** 

12.  Nahum,  a  prophet  of  God,  witnessed  the  mountains  to  quake  at 
his  presence.ff 

And  Isaiah,  who  spoke  in  the  name  of  God,  said,  "  Hear  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  all  ye  that  tremble  at  his  word ;  your  brethren  that  hated 
you,  and  that  cast  you  out  for  my  name's  sake,  said,  Let  the  Lord  be 
glorified ;  but  he  shall  appear  to  your  joy,  and  they  shall  be  ashamed." 
Hear  this,  ye  outside  lip-professors  and  scoffers !  And  saith  God,  "  to 
this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of  a  contrite  spirit, 
and  trembleth  at  my  word."JJ 

And  Paul,  an  apostle  and  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  trembled ;  and  the 
converted  jailer  trembled ;  and  Felix  trembled,  reasoning  with  Paul 
about  righteousness,  temperance,  and  judgment  to  come.  Would  not  you 
unrighteous  and  intemperate  ones  have  scoffed  at  them,  and  called 
them  Quakers?  Consider  it,  and  repent,  and  dread  the  Lord  God,  who> 
will  not  be  mocked.  §§ 

And  Paul  preached  in  much  trembling,  and  in  the  power  and  demon- 
stration of  the  spirit  o f  God ;  1 1 1 1  and  his  work  was,  "to  turn  people  from  dark- 
ness to  the  light  ;"1HI  and  said,  God,  who  is  light,  "  hath  shined  into  their 
hearts."  And  the  true  believers,  were  to  work  out  their  salvation  with 
fear  and  trembling,***  and  it  was  God  that  worked  in  them,  &c.  as  you 
may  read.fff  And  many  more  quakers  and  tremblers  preached  the  light, 
the  same  true  light  which  John  bore  testimony  of,  that  "  lighteth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world." 

And  Abraham  saw  the  day  of  Christ,  the  true  light,  before  Moses  was 
born,  who  wrote  of  Christ,  and  the  law  of  God ;  and  Enoch  walked  with 
God  before  Abraham  was  born,  who  was  the  seventh  from  Adam,  and 
had  the  witness  in  himself,  "  that  he  pleased  God." 

•  Dan.  x.       f  Chap.  vi.  26.  *  Psal.  lv.  5  and  cxix.  120.     §  Hab.  iii.  16.    (|  Jer. 

v.  22.  and  xxiii.  9.      %  Joel  ii.  1.  Amos  viii.  8.    ff  Nahum  i.  5.          Is.  Ixvi.  1. 

§§  Acts  ix.  6,  24,  °25,  and  xvi.  29.  1  Cor.  ii.  2,  3,  4.  U  2  Cor.  vii.  15.  •••  PhiU 
ii.  12.          ftt  2  ^or.  iv.  6. 


Trembled.     <J  These  ProPhets  of  the  Lord 
all  owned  trembling. 


315 


And  Isaiah  preached  and  prophesied  of  the  light ;  and  the  house  of 
Jacob,  when  idolatrous,  was  called  to  u  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord.*' 
And  Christ  was  further  promised  to  be  for  a  covenant  of  light  and  sal- 
vation.* 

Ezekiel  speaks  of  the  voice  and  glory  of  God,  when  he  had  seen  the 
tire  and  lightning.    But  this  is  hid  from  your  eyes,  who  are  in  the  dark.f 

And  Daniel  declared  of  the  light,  and  the  queen  of  that  country  said, 
it  was  in  him ;  and  that  it  was  '"an  excellent  spirit ;''  and  did  not  mock 
him,  nor  at  the  light  within,  as  many  do  who  profess  Christianity,  but 
are  worse  than  the  heathens.  J 

And  David  preached  the  light  within,  and  word  within.§ 

And  Job  owned  and  preached  the  light.  And  he  saw  God  with  his 
eye,  which  is  light. || 

And  Paul  preached  the  light  within.1i 

And  Christ  Jesus  preached  the  light,  and  bid  people  believe  in  it 
(and  so  do  we)  "that  they  might  become  the  children  of  the  light."** 
And  John's  message  was,  "that  God  is  light."ff 

And  God  said,  he  would  *  dwell  in  his  people.v  And  the  saints'  in- 
heritance is  in  the  light :  and  immortality  dwelleth  in  the  light,  which 
is  the  saints'  inheritance :  though  the  unsanctiried,  dark,  and  unclean 
have  no  part  in  it,  in  that  state,  or  knowledge  of  the  ways  of  it,  while 
they  rebel  against  it,  as  you  may  read.JJ 

Much  more  might  be  written,  as  to  this  particular ;  but  this  is  only 
mentioned  in  short,  for  the  sake  of  such  as  may  simply  inquire ;  and  to 
^top  the  mouth  of  the  liar  and  scorler,  who  speak  evil  of  those  things 
they  understand  not. 

And  also,  I  do  affirm,  that  the  quakers  and  tremblers,  which  were 
servants  of  God  of  old,  as  I  have  here  showed,  did  bear  a  testimony 
against  all  the  unrighteousness  of  men,  in  then-  day,  without  respect  of 
persons,  in  plain  language  to  the  people,  and  did  preach  the  light,  as  we 
have  done,  and  yet  do,  in  our  age.  And  this  gospel  of  this  kingdom  of 
God  within,  must  be  preached  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then 
shall  the  end  come. 

They  testified  against  idolatry;  against  the  proud,  mockers,  and  scof- 
fers: against  the  rebellious,  who  rebelled  against  the  light:  and  pro- 
nounced many  woes  against  the  hypocrites,  and  false  shepherds  and 
hirelings,  such  as  sought  their  gain  from  their  quarter,  that  fed  them- 
selves, and  bore  rule  by  their  means,  and  prophesied  for  money,  and 

*  Is.  xlix.  6,  and  lx.  and  ii.  9,  and  x.  17,  and  li.  4.  f  Ezek.  i.  t  Dan.  ii.  22, 
and  v.  11,  12.  §  Psal.  xxvii.  1,  and  xxxvi.  9,  and  xcvii.  11,  and  xxxvii.  6,  and 

cxix.  11,  and  cv.  fl  Job  xxiv.  16,  and  xxv.  3,  and  xxxiii.  21,  and  xlii.  5.  12  Cor.  iv. 
6.       ••  John  xii.  35,  36.       ff  1  John  i.  5.         H  2  Cor.  vi.  16.  Col.  i.  12. 

j|  1  Tim.  ii.  16.  H  Job  xxiv.  13. 

It 


346 


barley,  and  pieces  of  bread;  that  ruled  with  force  and  cruelty,  pushing 
with  their  horns,  like  as  some  brute  beasts  have  done  in  this  age;  against 
whom  the  Lord  God  did  move  many  of  his  servants  to  testify,  as  may 
be  yet  remembered.  And  there  was  a  time  when  Christ  Jesus  was 
daily  striving  with  such  in  their  temple,  to  have  gathered  them  in  their 
day,  but  they  refused;  and  then  after  said,  "They  are  blind  leaders  of 
the  blind,  let  them  alone;''  which  was  an  expression  of  a  sad  sin  and 
consequence;  for  they  would  "  both  fall  into  the  ditch."  Which  may 
serve  for  an  answer  to  some  that  have  inquired,  why  we  do  not  visit 
them  as  formerly?  if  they  had  eyes  to  discern  the  times  and  seasons, 
which  are  in  the  Father's  hand.    Much  might  be  said  to  this. 

They  testified  against  the  bloody,  against  robbers  and  liars,  and 
against  the  covetous,  violent,  and  oppressors  of  the  people.*  And  Zepha- 
niah  cried,  "  Wo  to  the  filthy  and  polluted  oppressing  city,  whose  princes 
are  roaring  lions;  and  judges,  evening  wolves;  and  prophets,  light  and 
treacherous:  and  against  such  as  were  in  Cain's  way,  and  Balaam's  way. 
And  Isaiah  pronounced,  "  Wo  to  the  crown  of  pride,  to  the  drunkards 
of  Ephraim  !  they  shall  be  trodden  under  feet;"  and  "  wo  unto  them  that 
decree  unrighteous  decrees,"  &c.  and  to  the  rebellious  children,  that 
took  "  counsel,  but  not  of  the  Lord,  and  that  cover  with  a  covering,  and 
not  of  my  spirit,"  that  they  might  add  sin  to  sin. 

Hear  this,  all  ye  outside  professors  of  Christianity,  who  rebel  against 
the  light  and  counsel  of  the  Lord,  and  his  spirit  within,  which  reproves 
you  for  your  sin  and  hypocrisy;  your  covering  is  too  narrow,  and  your 
bed  too  short,  to  hide  you  from  the  wrath  of  the  lamb. 

The  sheep's  clothing  will  not  serve  you,  while  you  are  inwardly  ra- 
vened from  the  truth  required  in  the  inward  parts,  no  more  than  Cain's 
sacrifice  did,  while  sin  lay  at  his  door.  The  day  of  the  Lord  is  come 
that  discovers  you  and  your  works,  and  the  fire  shall  try  them. 

And  Christ  Jesus  cried  many  woes  against  the  scribes,  and  Pharisees, 
and  lawyers,  and  blind  guides;  and  called  them  hypocrites,  and  serpents, 
and  vipers.  And  John  cried,  "  Wo  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth;"  and 
said,  "  The  devil  is  come  down  unto  you."f 

And  the  serpents,  and  vipers,  and  Cain,  and  blind  guides,  (like  moles,) 
are  the  earth's  inhabiters;  and  the  roaring  lions,  and  evening  wolves, 
and  them  that  push  with  their  horns,  and  the  swine,  dogs,  and  foxes,  and 
thorns  and  thistles,  Christ  spoke  of,  are  all  of  the  earth's  inhabitants, 
and  all  the  ravenous  and  unclean  beasts.  And  the  devil  went  into  the 
swine;  and  Cain,  the  wicked  one,  sacrificed,  and  slew  his  brother 
about  it,  a  vagabond  and  fugitive  in  the  earth,  an  inhabitant  there; 
and  so  the  wo  remains  upon  all  in  his  way,  and  in  Balaam's  way,  (blind 

•  Read  Zeph.  3.  Amos  6.  Jude  11.  Isa.  28.  and  x.  1.  Mich.  3.  £zek.  34.  Jer.  4. 
f  Rev.  12. 


347 


guides'  way,)  who  could  not  see  the  angel.  And  such  cannot  see  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  nor  his  people,  nor  their  states  and  conditions,  nor  their 
worship,  till  they  are  turned  to  the  light,  and  the  eye  become  opened, 
which  the  God  of  this  world  hath  blinded. 

And  so,  I  have  no  pearls  to  cast  to  swine;  but  to  this  man  hath  God 
regard,  "  that  is  poor,  and  of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  his  word." 

Wherefore,  fear  God,  and  consider  these  things,  and  be  wise;  and  do 
not  mock  at  the  light,  nor  at  the  quakers;  but  remember  your  latter 
end,  and  repent,  lest  the  Lord's  anger  be  kindled  against  you,  and  you 
perish  in  your  folly.  For  the  holy  men  of  God  preached  the  light,  and 
witnessed  quaking  and  trembling,  as  I  have  showed  you.  So  take  warn- 
ing while  you  have  time,  and  prize  it. 

And  as  for  the  scriptures,  we  own  them  in  their  place,*  as  Christ  Je- 
sus said  of  them,  and  as  the  servants  of  God  in  ages  past  acknowledged 
and  testified,  to  be  a  true  declaration  ;f  and  leave  it  to  the  witness  of  God 
in  you  all,  to  consider  and  judge,J  whether  they  are  all  the  word  or  words 
of  God,  yea  or  nay,  as  by  what  followeth. 

First.  In  the  Bible,  or  scriptures,  are  many  words  relating  to  divers 
matters ;  which  we  do  not  question  the  truth  of  the  relation  thereof. 

There  are  the  words  of  God ;  and  of  Adam  and  Eve  in  the  fall ;  and 
of  the  serpent  that  beguiled  them.  I  hope  you  will  not  say,  these  are 
all  the  word  or  words  of  God;  but  very  much  to  be  distinguished  by 
them  that  have  a  right  understanding,  as  contradictory. 

And  there  are  the  words  of  Cain,  to  God,  who  slew  his  brother  about 
sacrifice. 

And  the  words  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  of  Moses,  and  the 
prophets,  Noah,  Daniel,  and  Job ;  holy  men.  And  there  are  also  the 
words  of  Esau,  the  profane  person ;  and  the  Egyptians  and  Sodomites ; 
and  of  them  that  caused  Daniel  to  be  cast  into  the  lions'  den,  for  pray- 
ing to  his  God. 

And  the  words  of  David,  Mordecai,  and  Esther ;  and  of  the  Philistines 
that  fought  against  Israel;  and  of  proud,  wicked  Haman,  who  sought  the 
Jews'  destruction,  because  Mordecai  would  not  do  him  reverence. 

And  the  words  of  Ahab  and  Jezebel,  that  murdered  Naboth  for  his 
vineyard ;  and  the  words  of  Elisha  to  him,  whom  he  called  his  enemy, 
though  a  holy  man. 

And  there  are  the  words  of  Saul,  who  sought  David  to  slay  him,  and  of 
the  witch  he  went  to ;  and  of  the  priest's  son,  Pashur,  chief  governor, 
&c.  who  smote  Jeremiah.    Are  all  these  the  words  of  God? 

And  there  are  the  words  of  the  devil  concerning  Job,  who  would  have 
destroyed  him,  but  confessed,  God  had  "  made  a  hedge  about  him." 


•  John  v.  39. 


f  Luke  i.  1. 


*  2  Tim.  16. 


348 


And  a  relation  of  the  reign  of  good  kings,  and  also  of  many  bad  ones; 
and  of  the  false  prophets  and  hirelings,  that  sought  for  their  gain  from 
their  quarter,  and  spoke  lies  to  the  people,  whom  God  never  sent,  and 
so  did  not  profit  them  at  all  who  heard  and  believed  them. 

Secondly,  and  in  the  scriptures  are  recorded  the  words  and  sayings, 
works  and  sufferings  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  true  prophet,  of  whom  Moses 
wrote,  and  the  words  of  the  devil,  that  tempted  him;  and  of  Judas  that 
betrayed  him ;  and  of  the  priests,  that  gave  large  money  to  the  soldiers, 
to  tell  lies,  "  how  his  disciples  had  stole  him  away,  while  they  were 
asleep."  Is  that  likely,  they  could  tell  what  was  become  of  him,  being 
all  asleep?  What  a  shift  and  poor  refuge  of  lies  the  devil  putteth  his 
servants  to,  when  his  kingdom  is  going  down?  And  there  are  the  words 
of  Pilate,  that  delivered  him  into  their  hands,  and  washed  his  own,  (but 
that  would  not  do,)  and  of  them  that  blind-folded  and  mocked  him. 

And  there  are  the  words  of  the  holy  apostles,  and  their  several  letters 
and  epistles  to  the  several  congregations  of  the  Lord's  people.  And  also, 
of  the  vagabond  Jews,  who  bound  themselves  under  a  curse,  neither  to 
eat  nor  drink,  till  they  had  killed  Paul :  and  of  the  captain  that  rescued 
him  out  of  their  hands :  and  the  words  of  the  orator,  that  called  him  a 
pestilent  fellow :  and  of  them  that  said,  Christ  had  a  devil,  and  cast  out 
devils  by  Beelzebub.  Are  these  all  the  words  of  God?  Much  less  the 
word  that  was  in  the  beginning,  that  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 

And  in  the  scriptures  may  be  read  the  words  of  the  persecutors,  who 
strictly  charged  the  apostles,  to  leave  preaching  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
(the  true  light  and  power  of  God.)  But  Paul  and  Silas  sung  in  the 
prison;  and  they  could  not  but  speak  that  which  they  had  seen  and 
heard  of  Christ  Jesus ;  and  could  not  flee,  like  the  hirelings,  that  leave 
the  sheep  when  the  wolf  comes  among  them:  for  a  work  of  necessity 
was  required  of  them,  "  to  turn  the  people  from  darkness  to  the  light, 
from  satan's  power  to  the  power  of  God :"  and  they  had  the  word  of 
reconciliation ;  and  this  word  was  in  the  beginning,  by  whom  all  things 
were  made,  before  the  scriptures  were  ;*  of  which  the  scriptures  tes- 
tify ;  and  they  are  a  true  declaration  :f  and  this  is  our  belief  concerning 
them. 

And  so  we  make  a  true  distinction  between  the  report,  and  the  thing 
or  things  reported  of,  as  Isaiah  did,  who  said,  "Who  hath  believed  our 
report  ?  and  to  whom  was  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?" 

And  the  record  which  God  gave  of  his  son,  is  not  the  son  himself ;  but 
to  be  believed  concerning  him. 

And  so,  the  scriptures  are  not  the  word ;  for  that  is  Christ's  name ;} 
nor  can  they  all  truly  and  properly  be  called,  the  words  of  God,§  as  I 

•  John  i.       f  Luke  i.  I.  \  Rev.  xix.  13.         §  John  i.  1. 


349 


have  here  demonstrated  in  short,  to  the  view  of  all  who  are  not  wil- 
fully blind. 

So,  come  to  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus,  which  shines  in  your  dark 
hearts ;  in  which  you  may  see  yourselves,  and  your  ignorance,  and  vain 
thoughts,  and  hard  speeches,  and  learn  to  put  a  difference  between  the 
precious  and  the  vile  in  your  own  particulars,  and  then  you  will  divide 
aright  between  good  men  and  wicked  men,  and  their  words  and  actions, 
as  between  light  and  darkness. 

And  as  for  our  holding  that  dangerous  tenet,  (as  you  call  it,)  of  perfec- 
tion in  this  life ;  I  answer, 

We  hold  no  other  perfection  or  tenet  than  what  the  holy  men  of  God 
of  old  did,  who  did  hold  the  head,  Christ  Jesus,  and  laid  hold  of  eternal 
life ;  in  which  is  no  danger  or  imperfection,  but  safety  and  peace ;  who 
is  come  to  destroy  the  devil  and  his  works,  which  hath  made  people 
imperfect,  and  brought  them  into  dangers,  and  the  pit  of  darkness  and 
ignorance  by  transgression,  in  which  lies  the  danger  of  everlasting  de- 
struction, in  this  broad  way:  but  in  Christ,  the  truth,  the  life,  the  way 
to  the  Father,  is  no  imperfection  or  danger,  as  I  have  said,  but  eternal 
life  and  salvation;  in  which  life  we  have  perfect  peace,  as  our  minds 
are  stayed  on  him,  and  not  in  any  other.  And  he  bids  his  people  be 
perfect  as  their  heavenly  Father  is  perfect.  And  this  is  no  dangerous 
tenet,  to  obey  God  and  Christ  Jesus,  which  you  yourselves  have  pro- 
mised and  do  not  perform,  but  are  disobedient.  And  here  lies  your 
danger,  in  professing  God  and  Christ  in  words,  but  in  works  deny  him, 
and  are  ignorant  of  him. 

For,  no  other  perfection  or  dangerous  tenet  do  we  hold  at  this  day, 
than  what  we  were  bound  to  believe  and  walk  in  when  we  were  chil- 
dren, and  to  witness  performed  by  the  spirit  and  grace  of  God  within 
us ;  and  in  the  same  covenant  are  you  engaged,  and  have  promised  to 
fulfil  it  on  your  part,  who  profess  yourselves  christians.  Therefore,  look 
you  to  the  danger  of  breaking  your  promise  made  to  God,  as  ye  may 
read  in  the  public  baptism,  in  the  Common  Prayer  book,  and  consider 
it  well ;  in  which  we  were  taught  by  our  then  teachers,  as  people 
are  now, 

First,  to  renounce  the  devil,  and  all  his  works ;  the  pomps  and  vanities- 
of  this  wicked  world,  and  all  the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh. 

Secondly.  And  to  believe  all  the  articles  of  the  christian  faith. 

Thirdly.  To  keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments,  and  to  walk  in 
the  same  all  the  days  of  our  lives. 

Thus  did  we  and  you  engage  and  promise  unto  God ;  which  is  a  state 
of  as  great  perfection  as  can  be  witnessed,  and  is  to  be  performed  and 
fulfilled  in  all  true  christians. 

Therefore,  weigh  the  matter  well,  and  see  where  licth  the  danger; 


350 


on  them  that  wait  upon  God,  to  receive  his  holy  spirit  and  grace,  to 
perform  what  hath  been  promised,  or  on  them  that  promise,  and  do  not 
regard  to  perform  their  vows  to  God,  as  you  and  your  teachers  have 
done;  who  have  reproached  us  for  the  same  things  which  you  yourselves 
profess  to  God  in  words,  like  the  Pharisees  and  hypocrites  of  old,  who 
said,  God  was  their  Father,  and  yet  put  Christ  Jesus  to  death,  because 
he  acknowledged  himself  to  be  the  son  of  God. 

So,  the  Lord  judge  between  us  and  you,  and  open  your  eyes,  that  you 
may  see  a  difference  between  him  that  sweareth,  and  him  that  feareth 
an  oath;  between  him  that  doth  in  deed  and  truth  serve  God,  and  him 
that  serveth  him  not,  but  only  with  the  lips,  and  the  heart  far  off,  which 
the  Lord  requireth ;  who  is  only  worshipped  in  the  spirit  and  in  the 
truth,  ( which  is  perfect.)  And  then  you  will  perceive,  that  our  religion 
and  worship,  and  what  we  hold,  is  neither  new,  strange,  or  dangerous, 
as  ye  have  imagined ;  but  the  good  old  way  of  holiness,  the  pure  religion 
and  true  spiritual  worship,  which  God  alone,  who  is  perfect,  hath  set 
up,  and  is  well  pleased  with,  who  is  the  author  of  it.  And  this  was  before 
the  devil's  works  were,  which  have  made  people  blind,  and  miserable, 
and  imperfect  by  transgression.  The  holy,  pure,  and  perfect  life,  and  its 
works,  were  the  first,  and  will  be  the  last  upon  the  earth,  the  alpha  and 
omega. 

It  was  the  enemy  of  mankind  that  sowed  the  tares ;  the  Lord  sowed 
good  seed  in  the  field,  the  wicked  one  sowed  the  bad,  whose  work  the 
son  of  God  is  manifested  to  destroy;  and  he  will  overturn  again  and  again, 
till  he  comes  to  reign  whose  right  it  is.  And  against  this  his  work  now 
begun,  the  gates  of  hell  and  death  shall  not  prevail.  The  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Much  more  might  be  declared,  as  to  this  matter ;  but  thus  much,  in 
short,  I  have  given  in  answer  to  these  things,  that  your  eyes  might  be 
opened,  who  err  in  vision,  and  stumble  in  judgment;  that  the  things  be- 
longing to  your  everlasting  peace  might  not  be  hid  from  you  in  this  your 
day. 

So,  fear  God,  and  prize  your  precious  time.  This  is  in  true  love  to  all 
your  souls,  by  a  friend  to  all  people, 


William  Bayly. 


A  call  and  visitation  from  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  unto 
Christendom,  (so  called,)  who  pro/ess  to  know  God,  but  in  works 
deny  him.  Being  also  an  examination  of  them,  how  they  came 
by  the  name  christian.  And  it  is  a  warning  to  them  all  to  repent 
ivith  speed,  before  the  dreadful  judgments  of  Almighty  God, 
(which  hang  over  their  heads,)  be  poured  forth  upon  them.  With 
an  exhortation  and  direction,  how  they  may  come  into  the  ivay  of 
everlasting  peace  with  God,  and  escape  the  wrath  to  come.  With 
a  true  discovery  of  the  ground  of  that  cry  among  the  priests  and 
teachers  in  Christendom,  (viz.*)  that  visions  and  revelations  are 
ceased.  And  a  charge  and  warning  to  them  from  the  Lord,  that 
all  such  cease  preaching  to  the  people,  fyc.  Through  a  labourer  in 
the  Lord^s  harvest,  and  a  true  lover  of  all  your  souls,  William 
Bayly. 


Hearken  and  give  ear,  all  you  people,  who  profess  yourselves  chris- 
tians, and  yet  live  contrary  to  Christ  and  his  servants,  in  the  abomi- 
nations of  the  heathens ;  many  of  you  exceeding  Sodom  and  Egypt  in 
your  wickedness,  blindness,  and  darkness,  which  is  felt  by  many  that 
fear  God.  Your  profession  of  Christianity  is  loathsome  before  the  Lord, 
and  it  is  even  a  shame  and  a  grief  to  true  christians,  that  you  should 
take  his  name  into  your  mouths,  who  are  so  full  of  deceit,  uncleanness, 
oaths,  cursing,  and  bitterness.  Who  can  number  your  abominations? 
How  doth  iniquity  abound  and  multiply?  What  is  become  of  the  love 
and  fear  of  God?  How  is  sobriety  and  truth  wanting  amongst  you,  and 
madness  and  folly  exalted,  as  if  the  kingdom  of  darkness  were  to  be  esta- 
blished for  ever,  and  your  only  happiness  to  bring  forth  the  works  of  the 
devil  ? 

Have  you  yet  never  read,  that  every  one  that  doth  name  the  name 
of  Christ,  should  depart  from  iniquity;  and  that  the  fear  of  God,  which 
is  to  depart  from  evil,  is  the  beginning  of  true  wisdom?  Are  you  not 
yet  come  to  this  first  step  of  Christianity?  Examine  yourselves  a  little, 
you  who  have  got  the  sheep's  clothing,  the  name  christian  for  your 
covering:  for  in  the  dreadful  name  and  authority  of  the  everlasting  God 
of  heaven  and  earth,  am  I  moved  to  examine  you  and  warn  you  in  the 
behalf  of  truth  and  righteousness,  which  he  is  now  exalting. 

How  came  you  by  the  name  christian?  Or  who  gave  it  you?  And 
what  is  the  ground,  cause,  or  reason  that  you  are  so  called  ?  How  came 
you  first  by  it,  you  that  live  like  wild  and  savage  beasts,  worse  than  the 


352 


sea  motisters,  devouring  and  destroying  one  another  in  your  pride,  envy, 
and  ambition,  which  is  as  far  from  the  spirit  and  way  of  Christ  Jesus, 
whom  you  profess,  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  and  differs  from  it  as  dark- 
ness doth  from  light?  Did  not  Christ  Jesus  teach  his  disciples,  (the  true 
christians,)  to  be  merciful,  and  to  love  one  another,  and  to  forgive  one 
another,  and  to  do  unto  all  men  as  they  would  be  done  unto,  and  to  be 
meek  and  lowly  in  heart?  Who  were  called  christians  first  at  Antioch ; 
as  you  may  read.* 

But  how  got  you  the  name?  Give  account  if  you  can.  For  the  Lord 
God  is  risen,  to  awaken  you  and  to  call  you  to  an  account,  both  profes- 
sor and  profane,  and  to  make  you  manifest  as  you  are,  even  to  the  hea- 
then afar  off;  and  no  vizard,  nor  covering  of  profession  shall  be  able  to 
hide  or  shelter  you,  who  say  you  are  christians,  and  are  not,  but  you 
will  be  found  liars  and  blasphemers,  and  of  the  synagogue  of  satan,  as 
they  were  found  to  be,  who  said  they  were  Jews,  and  were  not. 

Did  not  Christ  Jesus,  whose  name  you  profess,  say,  "Follow  me;"  "I  am 
the  light  of  the  world;  he  that  followeth  me,  shall  not  walk  in  darkness, 
but  shall  have  the  light  of  life,"f  as  you  may  read?  Now,  if  you  are 
his  true  followers,  you  walk  not  in  darkness,  as  he  hath  said,  but  you 
have  the  light  of  life.  Therefore,  prove  your  profession,  and  the  way 
you  walk  in;  for  if  you  walk  in  darkness,  wickedness,  sin,  and  trans- 
gression, you  are  no  true  followers  of  Christ,  nor  his  disciples,  and  so  no 
true  Christians.  Wherefore,  see  what  ground  you  have  to  claim  to 
yourselves  this  name;  for  Christ  puts  forth  his  own  sheep,  and  leads 
them  out  of  darkness,  and  they  are  turned  from  it,  and  have  no  fellow- 
ship with  the  unfruitful  works  of  it;  but  did  and  do  reprove  them,  as 
may  be  read  plentifully  in  the  scriptures  of  truth.  "You  were  some- 
times darkness,  but  now  are  you  light  in  the  Lord;  walk  as  children  of 
the  light."J  And  again,  "  Ye  are  not  in  darkness,  ye  are  all  the  chil- 
dren of  the  light;  we  are  not  of  the  night,  neither  of  darkness."§  And 
said  Peter,  "Ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal  priesthood,  a  holy  na- 
tion, a  people  set  at  liberty,  that  ye  should  show  forth  the  virtues  of 
him  that  hath  called  you  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light." 
And  said  John,  "The  darkness  is  past,  and  the  true  light  now  shineth."|| 
These  were  called  out  of  darkness,  and  were  come  past  it,  and  delivered 
from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  were  translated  into  the  kingdom  of 
the  dear  son  of  God ;  which  kingdom  stands  in  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  holy  ghost.^l 

And  they  were  taught  by  the  grace  of  God,  to  "deny  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  and  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present 

*  Acts  Xh  26.    f  John  viii.  12.     $  Ephcs.  v.  5.     §  1  Thess.  v.  4.     H  1  Pet.  9, 
1  1  John  ii.  8. 


353 


evil  world,"*  as  you  may  read.  Now  sec  if  you,  who  profess  their 
words,  do  walk  in  their  steps,  and  are  come  to  be  taught  by  their  teach- 
er. Is  their  way  yours?  for  the  path  of  the  just  throughout  all  ages  was 
and  is  Ihe  shining  light.  Or  is  not  your  way  the  way  of  the  wicked, 
which  is  as  darkness,  who  know  not  at  what  they  stumble'?  Read 
Prov.  iv.  19,  and  let  the  witness  of  God  in  you,  which  is  true,  answer. 
And  deal  truly  with  your  own  souls;  for  God  will  not  be  mocked,  who 
is  come  to  try  you,  and  from  whose  presence  nothing  can  be  hid.  Did 
not  the  true  Christians  follow  God  as  dear  children,  and  walk  in  love? 
Was  not  this  the  true  mark  of  Christ's  sheep,  to  love  one  another,  by 
which  all  men  were  to  know  them  to  be  his  followers  ?  And  is  this 
mark  found  upon  you,  that  pretend  to  be  his  sheep?  Or  is  not  the  con- 
trary, the  mark  of  Cain,  who  slew  his  brother?  Are  you  not  all 
brethren  by  your  profession  of  Christ's  name  ?  Should  you  not  then 
love  as  brethren,  and  be  kind  and  tender-hearted  one  to  another?  Do 
you  not  all  in  Christendom  call  God  your  Father,  and  with  one  mouth 
say  you  have  one  Father,  even  God  ?  And  did  not  the  hypocrites  of 
old  say  the  same?    Consider  it  in  the  fear  of  God. 

Did  not  the  apostle  John  say, 44  He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not  God, 
for  God  is  love?"f  Then  what  good  will  all  your  profession,  and  religion, 
and  name  do  you,  if  you  know  not  God,  which  is  life  eternal  ?  Are  you 
better  than  sounding  brass,  or  tinkling  cymbals,  if  you  have  not  the  love 
of  God,  and  true  knowledge  of  God  in  you  ?  Was  not  this  Paul's  doc- 
trine, whose  sepulchre  some  of  you  garnish,  like  your  forefathers,  the 
outside  and  lip  professors,  whose  brass  and  cymbals  sounded  as  loud  as 
yours,  and  had  as  long  prayers  as  you ;  and  yet  Christ  told  them  that 
they  had  not  the  love  of  God  in  them,  who  neglected  judgment,  mercy, 
and  faith,  the  weightiest  matters,  and  were  paying  tithe  of  anise,  mint, 
and  cummin.  Therefore,  come  you  to  the  line  of  true  judgment,  and 
measure  your  path,  your  race,  and  pedigree. 

Did  not  Christ  Jesus  bid  his  disciples  be  merciful,  as  their  heavenly 
Father  is  merciful  ?  And  said,  "Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for  they  shall 
obtain  mercy."  And  "  Blessed  are  the  peace  makers,  for  they  shall  be 
called  the  children  of  God."|  Now,  if  you  had  learned  of  him,  as  he 
hath  commanded,  where  would  then  be  room  for  envy  and  cruelty,  pride 
and  oppression,  which  this  day  abounds  among  you  2  Did  he  not  bid  his 
disciples  love  their  enemies;  and  if  they  hungered,  to  give  them  meat; 
and  if  they  thirsted,  to  give  them  drink;  and  to  do  good  to  them  (bat 
hated  them  and  despitcfully  used  them  ?  How  much  more  ought  you 
to  love  your  brethren,  and  your  neighbours  as  yourselves?  Surely,  had 
you  all  been  found  in  this  second  lesson,  M  thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour 
as  thyself,"  the  Turks  and  Jews  would  have  taken  hold  of  your  skirts 

♦  Tit.  ii.  f  1  'To,in  iv  *  Watt.  v. 

45 


354 


before  this  day,  and  acknowledged  you  to  be  true  christians-  But  through 
your  blasphemy,  hypocrisy,  falseness,  idolatry,  and  superstition,  which 
abounds  among  you,  you  have  been  a  stumbling-block,  and  a  cause  of 
reproach  to  the  name  of  Christ  Jesus  unto  many  thousands,  and  you 
have  grieved  the  Lord,  even  beyond  the  old  world. 

O  Christendom !  of  whom  have  you  learned  all  this  wickedness,  mad- 
ness, and  folly,  that  is  so  plentifully  brought  forth  among  you,  for 
which  the  very  Turks  do  justly  condemn  you  ?  Did  you  ever  learn 
these  things  of  Christ,  whom  you  profess?  Is  he  your  way,  pat- 
tern, or  example  in  these  abominations?  What  account  can  you 
give  of  these  things  ?  Will  not  the  blood  of  souls  be  charged  upon 
you?  Oh !  that  you  would  consider  it  in  this  your  day, before  it  be  too 
late  !  Are  you  like  the  sheep  of  Christ  Jesus,  which  he  hath  put  forth? 
Do  you  bear  his  image,  the  holy,  innocent  life?  Out  of  what  are  you 
put  forth,  you  who  live  like  wild  beasts,  and  fed  horses  without  bridle  ? 
Did  you  ever  know  what  the  yoke  of  Christ  was,  you  that  are  restless, 
like  the  troubled  sea,  foaming  out  your  own  shame  one  against  another 
to  the  view  of  nations  ?  Let  the  truth,  God's  witness  in  you,  answer. 
And  do  not  daub  any  longer  with  untempered  mortar ;  for,  as  I  said,  the 
Lord  God  is  arisen  to  try  you  and  your  profession  of  his  holy  name,  and 
to  search  you,  as  with  candles,  and  to  manifest  your  root  and  branch, 
that  the  shame  of  your  nakedness  may  more  appear,  who  have  hid  your- 
selves under  falsehood  in  a  pretence  of  religion  and  holiness. 

Did  not  Christ  Jesus,  whom  you  profess,  rebuke  those  that  did  but 
desire  destruction  to  come  upon  their  enemies,  to  destroy  their  lives, 
who  knew  not  what  spirit  they  were  of?  Then  how  ignorant  are  you, 
and  greatly  to  be  reproved,  who  are  so  greedily  destroying  your  bre- 
thren, (striving  who  shall  be  greatest,)  about  the  earth,  and  honour  be- 
low, that  shall  perish  ?  What  spirit  do  you  think  you  are  of,  who  spend 
your  precious  time  and  days  in  pride  and  vain-glory,  serving  divers  lusts 
and  pleasures ;  envying,  hating,  oppressing,  robbing  and  devouring  one 
another,  as  if  it  were  the  work  of  your  day  and  generation,  and  the  end 
for  which  you  were  born,  to  provoke  the  righteous  God  to  his  face  in 
these  things  against  you,  who  gives  you  life  and  breath,  and  being,  that 
you  should  fear,  and  dread,  and  serve,  and  worship  him.  Are  ye  not 
them  that  are  without  natural  affection,  heady,  and  high  minded? 
Judge  ye. 

Are  these  things  the  marks  of  Christ's  innocent  sheep,  or  of  the  ra- 
venous beasts  of  prey  ?  whether  these  are  not  the  unfruitful  works  of 
darkness?  or  whom  do  these  things  resemble?  and  from  what  root  do 
these  bitter  fruits  proceed,  which  grieve  and  dishonour  God  and  Christ 
Jesus,  whom  you  profess  ?  Judge  ye,  whether  these  fruits  you  bring 
forth  to  open  view,  will  ever  be  a  means  to  convert  the  Turks,  Jews, 


355 


and  heathens  to  your  faith  and  religion,  and  acknowledge  you  to  be  in 
the  right  way  of  everlasting  peace  and  happiness;  who,  under  the  name 
of  Christianity,  make  the  world  to  ring  of  your  ravenous  impieties  be- 
yond Sodom  and  Gomorrah;  as  if  by  your  name  of  profession  you  had 
a  privilege  to  commit  such  abominations,  wrhich  are  abhorred  and  con- 
demned by  the  very  heathens.  And  yet,  how  distasteful  would  it  be 
unto  you,  to  deny  you  the  name  of  christians?  You  in  Italy,  Spain, 
France,  England,  Holland,  Germany,  with  many  other  kingdoms  and 
provinces,  wTho  have  long  been  professing  Christianity,  and  have  made 
a  large  noise  of  religion,  and  yet  striving  in  your  wills  to  exalt  your- 
selves over  one  another,  contrary  to  Christ's  doctrine  and  example,  who 
said,  '*He  that  will  be  the  greatest  among  you,  let  him  be  a  servant  (or 
a  helper)  to  all."  But  instead  of  this,  your  cruelty  one  toward  another 
hath  exceeded  the  measure  of  Pagans ;  for  which  you  may  swiftly  and 
justly  expect  the  dreadful  judgments  and  fiery  indignation  of  the  righte- 
ous God  to  consume  you,  who  are  thus  biting  and  devouring  one  an- 
other; which  will  be  your  portion,  except  speedy  repentance  and  amend- 
ment of  life.  Should  you  not  all  be  as-  a  family,  who  profess  one  Christ 
your  head,  and  you  his  servants?  Should  you  not  then  help  and  love 
as  brethren  ?  And  is  not  he  worse  than  an  infidel,  that  doth  not  help 
and  provide  for  them  of  his  family  ? 

O  Christendom !  be  not  deceived ;  what  thou  sowest,  thou  shalt  as- 
suredly reap :  for  Christ  is  not  divided,  nor  his  garment  rent,  who  is  the 
leader  of  his  people  out  of  those  things  which  you  are  found  wallowing 
in,  who  is  the  captain  of  their  salvation,  of  whom  they  have  learned  to 
be  merciful,  and  to  love  enemies,  and  to  lay  aside  all  malice,  and 
guile,  and  hypocrisy,  and  evil  speaking;  as  new  born  babes,  feeding  on 
the  sincere  milk  of  the  ingrafted  word  which  liveth  and  abideth  for 
ever,  that  is  able  to  save  the  soul;  by  which  they  are  kept  in  the  love 
of  God,  and  in  unity  and  peace  one  with  another.  And  as  Christ  Jesus 
said,  so  I  say  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  unto  thee,  O  Christendom,  "Verily, 
verily,  except  a  man  be  born  again,  and  become  as  a  little  child,  he  can 
in  no  case  enter  the  kingdom  of  God and  except  a  man  take  up  his 
cross  daily,  and  follow  me,  saith  Christ  Jesus,  he  cannot  be  my  disciple. 
Therefore,  consider  whether  you  yet  know  what  this  new  birth  mean- 
eth,  and  the  cross  of  Christ,  which  Paul  preached,  which  was  a  stum- 
bling block  to  the  Jews,  and  to  the  Greeks  foolishness,  by  which  he  was 
crucified  unto  the  world,  and  the  world  was  crucified  unto  him  ?  Was 
this  a  cross  of  wood,  stone,  brass,  gold,  or  silver,  or  an  ivory  cross,  which 
some  of  you  carry  about  you  daily  !  Is  this  the  daily  cross,  think  you, 
there  spoken  of? 

O  people,  papists  and  protestants !  be  no  longer  deceived,  but  come 
forth,  and  answer,  if  you  can;  who  are  so  full  of  your  made,  invented 


356 

ignorant,  dumb,  beggarly  idols  and  crosses,  without  life  and  virtue,  and 
even  mad  on  the  works  of  moo's  hands,  in  your  blind  zeal  on  those  lying 
vanities,  by  which  you  grieve  and  provoke  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  daily: 
but  what  world  do  all  your  crosses  crucify  unto  you  1  Or,  is  not  the 
world  alive  in  you,  and  you  in  it,  without  God  in  the  world  ?  For  God 
is  love;  and  by  the  abounding  of  iniquity  love  is  not  only  waxed  cold, 
but  even  lost  among  you.  And  is  not  all  that  is  in  the  world  the  lust 
of  the  eye,  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  pride  of  life?  this  is  not  of  the 
Father,  but  of  the  world.  And  is  there  any  people  under  heaven  ex- 
ceeding you  in  these  things,  who  are  called  christians  1 

Oh !  how  have  you  lost  the  very  remembrance  of  the  true  cross,  not- 
withstanding all  your  invented  crosses  to  put  you  in  remembrance! 
You  are  such  as  have  forgotten  the  Lord  days  without  number,  and 
therefore  are  you  thus  torn  in  pieces,  and  divided,  and  no  deliverance 
will  be  found  for  you,  if  you  repent  not  speedily.  And  if  the 
cross  of  Christ  you  did  bear,  which  is  the  power  of  God,  which  crosseth 
the  self-will  of  man ;  and  if  the  love  of  God  dwelt  in  .your  hearts,  you 
would  then  feel  a  daily  and  hourly  remembrance  of  him.  Were  ye  but 
true  disciples  indeed,  as  you  profess  in  words  to  be,  and  not  mockers,  you 
would  soon  throw  down  all  these  dumb  idols,  which  arose  in  the  dark 
imaginations  from  the  bottomless  pit  of  ignorance,  in  the  alienation  from 
God,  when  iniquity  abounded ;  and  this  state  hath  overspread  Christen- 
dom, who  are  ignorant  of  the  strait  gate  and  narrow  way  of  regene- 
ration, that  leads  to  life  and  peace  with  God  for  ever. 

Oh  !  how  have  your  leaders  caused  you  to  err,  and  even  destroyed 
you,  like  the  false  prophets  of  old,  who  were  blind  leaders  of  the  blind  ! 
How  do  they  still  rule  with  force  and  cruelty  over  the  consciences,  souls 
and  bodies  of  people !  still  striving  to  keep  them  in  the  chains  of  igno- 
rance, darkness,  and  blindness,  as  blind  as  Sodom,  making  merchandise 
of  them  at  their  pleasure,  for  their  filthy  lucre,  vain-glory,  pomp,  and 
ambition  sake.  How  do  they  dig  in  darkness,  and  as  deep  as  hell,  to  hide 
their  designs  and  their  counsel  from  the  Lord,  and  to  mask  and  amuse 
poor  ignorant  souls,  to  make  havoc  of  them,  and  to  captivate  them  at 
their  wills !  How  are  they,  like  moles,  bats  and  vultures,  loving  the 
paths  of  darkness,  and  hating  the  true  light,  the  path  of  the  just,  which 
shines  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day ;  stumbling  at,  and  enemies 
to,  the  cross  of  Christ  Jesus;  whose  God  is  their  belly,  who  mind  earthly 
things,  whose  glory  is  in  that  which  will  be  their  perpetual  shame,  and 
whose  end  will  be  everlasting  destruction,  without  speedy  repentance. 

Wo  be  to  you,  ye  blind  guides,  ye  hypocrites,  who  love  the  praise  of 
men,  and  go  in  your  long  and  distinct  robes,  to  be  seen  and  honoured 
of  men!  ye  love  greetings  in  the  markets  and  streets,  and  to  be  called 
of  men  Rabbi,  the  exact  leaven  of  your  forefathers,  the  hypocrites  of 


357 


old,  which  is  pride  and  hypocrisy,  which  the  true  disciples  of  CI irist  were 
to  beware  of.  This  is  your  state,  ye  idol  shepherds  and  drones ;  by 
your  fruits  ye  are  known  and  manifest  to  thousands.  Your  foundation 
and  root  is  rottenness,  and  your  building  will  fall  in  the  day  of  the 
storms  that  are  coming  upon  you.  How  can  you  think  that  the  rabble 
of  your  lip  confessions,  and  out-side  services,  and  blind  inventions,  will 
stand  you  in  any  stead  in  the  day  of  your  account?  How  can  you  expect 
that  God  should  hear  your  prayers,  while  you  thus  regard  iniquity  in  your 
hearts?  Is  it  any  thing  better  than  the  vain  babbling  of  the  heathen?  Who 
pray  to  be  forgiven  of  God  as  you  forgive  them  that  trespass  against 
you,  who  do  not  forgive  one  another ;  but  are  implacable  and  unmerci- 
ful one  unto  another,  seeking  revenge  and  the  ruin  one  of  another; 
not  at  all  like  unto  Christ,  who  laid  down  his  life  for  enemies,  to 
hring  them  to  God,  out  of  transgression;  and  bid  them  be  merciful,  (that 
is,  full  of  mercy,)  and  to  do  unto  all  as  they  would  be  done  unto. 

And  how  can  you  blame  the  infidels,  as  you  call  them,  if  they  judge 
and  condemn  you  for  your  abominations,  who  make  such  a  large  profes- 
sion of  Christianity?  How  can  they  believe  you  are  good  people,  when 
your  works  and  fruits  declare  you  otherwise,  both  root  and  branch? 
So  that  your  name  Christian  you  have  justly  made  a  reproach ;  and 
the  fame  of  your  infamous  cruelty,  pride,  lewdness,  and  hypocrisy,  hath 
sounded  forth  to  the  amazement  of  heathens,  to  whom  you  have  been 
a  stumbling  block  for  ages,  the  guilt  of  whose  blood  will  never  be  wiped 
away  in  this  world,  nor  in  the  world  to  come  from  ofF you,  but  by  a  speedy, 
true,  and  unfeigned  repentance.  The  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

Do  not  you  call  Christ  Jesus,  who  is  the  innocent,  holy,  harmless  lamb 
of  God,  the  just  one,  your  lord  and  saviour  frequently;  and  say  in  your 
creed,  "  I  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  son,  our  lord,"  &c?  But  how 
came  you  hither  ?  What  ground  have  you  to  call  him  your  lord,  in 
whom  guile  was  never  found  ?  And  do  you  indeed  believe  in  him  ?  or 
do  you  only  believe  the  report,  that  there  was  such  a  one  in  ages  past, 
of  whom  the  scripture  of  truth  declares,  which  thousands  believe,  and 
the  devils  believe,  which  do  not  believe  in  him  ?  Is  he  your  governor, 
and  ruler,  and  orderer  ?  Are  you  commanded  and  guided  by  him,  and 
led  by  his  spirit  of  truth  into  all  truth  ?  Do  you  take  counsel  and  direc- 
tion from  him,  as  your  captain,  law-giver,  and  counsellor  ?  Do  you  obey 
his  commands,  and  follow  him  in  the  regeneration  ?  If  so,  then  he  is  your 
lord,  and  also  your  saviour,  and  no  otherwise;  for  he  saveth  none  but 
whom  he  guides  and  governs:  he  is  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  to  as 
many  as  obey  him  :  lliey  that  are  led  by  the  spirit  of  God,  they  are  the 
sons  of  God  ;*  and  not  as  many  as  can  talk  of  him,  and  cry  lord,  lord, 


*  Kom.  viii. 


358 


and  call  him  their  saviour.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  call  him  so  with  your 
mouth  and  lips,  and  to  imagine  he  will  he  so  to  you  while  ye  remain 
in  open  and  secret  rebellion  against  him;  ye  take  but  his  name  in  vain.; 
it  will  avail  you  nothing  in  the  day  of  your  account ;  but  add  to  your 
misery,  so  to  be  deceived,  and  to  deceive  one  another,  by  promising 
yourselves  an  imaginary  liberty  and  freedom,  while  really  and  indeed 
ye  are  servants  to  corruption:  "for  he  that  committeth  sin,  is  the  ser- 
vant of  sin,"*  as  you  may  read.  And  it  is  written  of  Christ  Jesus,  "  he 
shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins,"  not  in  their  sins.  And  that  "  no 
man  can  call  Jesus  Lord,  but  by  the  holy  ghost:"  and  "let  every  one  that 
names  the  name  of  Christ,  depart  from  iniquity."f  "Are  you  come 
hither !  You  who  so  often  name  the  name  of  Christ,  do  you  depart  from 
iniquity,  or  do  you  rather  mock  at  the  holy  ghost,  and  the  movings  of 
it?  Let  God?s  witness  answer.  And  if  you  dream  of  a  purgatory,  (as  I 
know  many  of  you  do,)  to  purge  and  cleanse  you  between  the  grave  and 
heaven,  from  all  filthiness,  though  you  live  and  wallow  in  it  for  term  of 
life ;  be  it  known  unto  you,  and  I  declare  it,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
that  this  will  deceive  you ;  for  it  proceeded,  in  its  foundation,  from  the 
filthy  dreamer,  which  hath  defiled  both  flesh  and  spirit.  And  when  you 
awake  at  the  sound  of  the  last  trumpet,  ye  shall  remember  this  voice, 
"  He  that  is  filthy,  let  him  be  filthy  still,  and  he  that  is  holy,  let  him  be 
holy  still :"  for  time  shall  be  no  longer,  but  the  great  gulf  of  eternity 
is  fixed  between  Abraham,  the  true  believer  and  follower  of  God, 
and  the  rich  man,  that  lived  in  his  fulness  of  fading  pleasures. J  If  you 
have  ears  to  hear,  hear.  And  the  Lord  God  open  your  eyes,  that  you 
may  see,  and  come  to  know  and  witness,  in  this  your  day,  the  tree  to  be 
made  good,  and  then  the  fruit  will  be  good  also:  for  as  the  tree  falls,  so 
it  lies :  and  men  do  not  gather  grapes  of  thorns,  nor  figs  of  thistles,  as 
Christ  said.  But  how  hath  Christendom,  in  this  dark  night  of  apostacy, 
wherein  men  could  not  work,  been  like  a  garden  all  grown  over  with 
briars  and  thorns,  weeds,  thistles,  and  nettles,  bearing  no  good  fruit 
unto  God,  but  fruits  of  unrighteousness,  even  like  the  vine  of  Sodom ! 
And  this  is  yet  the  lamentable  state  of  many  thousands,  who  are  in  a 
large  profession  of  God  and  Christ  in  words,  but  in  works  deny  him,  and 
are  reprobates  concerning  the  true  and  living  faith,  that  works  by  love 
and  purifies  the  heart,  in  which  the  true  Christians  pleased  God,  and 
were  (and  are)  accepted  of  him,  in  which  Abel  offered  a  more  excellent 
sacrifice  than  Cain,  that  slew  his  brother.  And  without  this  faith,  which 
is  holy,  it  is  impossible  to  please  God.  Therefore,  O  ye  people  of  Chris- 
tendom, whom  these  things  concern,  who  are  out  of  the  true  faith  by 
which  the  just  lives,  in  the  strife  and  envy,  which  kills  the  just ;  repent 


John  viii.  34. 


f  2  Tim.  ii.  19. 


*  Luke  xri. 


359 


and  turn  at  the  reproof  of  the  Lord,  and  fear  before  him,  and  be  hum- 
hie,  and  learn  tenderness  and  love,  and  to  be  merciful,  that  so  ye  might 
obtain  mercy  from  God  in  time  of  your  need.  And  leave  off  your  cruelty 
one  towards  another,  and  your  envying,  warring,  and  fighting  one  against 
another,  which  comes  from  your  lusts,  which  war  against  your  immortal 
souls,  lest  ye  be,  like  Cain,  vagabonds  from  the  blessed  presence  of 
the  Lord  God  for  ever,  and  consumed  and  destroyed  with  an  utter  de- 
struction, without  remedy.  And  this  from  God  is  a  warning  unto  you 
in  true  love  to  all  your  souls. 

"  Blessed  are  the  merciful,"  saith  Christ  Jesus,  "  they  shall  obtain 
mercy;  and  blessed  are  the  peace-makers,  for  they  shall  be  called  the 
children  of  God." 

But  whose  children  shall  they  be  called,  who  are  peace-breakers,  and 
unmercifully  destroying  and  devouring  one  another  1  Judge  ye. 

Is  not  the  devil  called  a  destroyer  and  a  murderer  from  the  begin- 
ning ?  And  were  not  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  (who  were  hypocrites, 
envious  and  ambitious,)  of  their  father  the  devil,  though  they  covered 
themselves  with  saying,  "  We  have  one  Father,  even  God,  and  we  are 
Abraham's  children  V9  Could  there  have  been  a  higher  profession  in  words 
than  this  1  And  what  was  the  proof  and  ground  of  Christ's  saying  so  of 
them,  who  were  such  zealous  and  strict  professors,  and  so  exact  in  observ- 
ing the  sabbath,  and  performing  their  duties  and  services  to  the  Lord, 
as  they  judged?  Why  this  was  the  infallible  proof,  "because  his  works 
ye  do :"  they  did  the  devil's  works,  and  yet  called  God  their  Father.  I 
could  wish  with  my  soul,  we  had  no  such  evident  proofs  in  Christendom 
at  this  day ;  and  my  soul  even  travels  for  the  end  of  them :  for  what 
peace  can  be  expected  to  people  or  nations,  so  long  as  "  the  whoredoms 
and.  witchcrafts  of  Jezebel  are  so  many,"  the  abominations  that  have 
made,  and  will  yet  make  desolate  1  For  God  is  not  changed,  but  remains 
the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever.  It  is  not  your  many  Pater- 
nosters,  or  saying,  "  our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,"  that  will  make  you 
the  children  of  God;  nor  your  saying,  "  I  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only 
son,  our  Lord,"  will  make  you  true  Christians,  or  disciples  of  Christ  Jesus, 
no  more  than  their  sayings  of  old  made  them  so,  who  had  as  large  a 
name  and  covering  of  profession,  in  their  day,  as  you,  and  yet  they  had 
not  the  love  of  God  in  them.  Therefore  read  whose  steps  you  tread  in, 
and  see  who  indeed  is  your  father,  and  whose  works  ye  do  and  bring 
forth;  and  let  the  light,  the  true  witness  of  God,  whose  property  is  to 
make  manifest,  arise  in  your  consciences,  and  answer.  Or  do  you  be- 
lieve, that  the  sheep's  clothing  will  cover  the  inwardly  ravener  better 
now  under  the  name  Christian,  than  it  would  formerly  among  the  Jews, 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites?  Or  are  light  and  darkness  changed 
from  what  they  were  ? 


3G0 


How  dare  you  call  God  father;  or  say  that  prayer  without  blushing 
and  confusion  of  face,  wherein  you  ask  God  "to  forgive  you,  as  you  for- 
give them  that  trespass  against  you  V  Do  you  understand  what  you  say, 
and  what  you  desire  of  him  1  Surely  if  you  did,  terror  might  even  affright 
you  while  you  are  thus  speaking ;  for  you  call  for  vengeance  upon  your 
own  selves  from  God  herein ;  and  it  will  he  even  so ;  and  out  of  your 
own  mouths  shall  you  be  judged,  according  to  your  works.  For  as 
you  do  forgive  others  the  wrong  they  have  done  to  you,  even  so  will 
the  Lord  forgive  you  the  wrong  you  have  done  to  him,  and  no  otherwise, 
according  to  your  daily  requests. 

And  this  I  declare  and  testify,  in  the  name  and  heavenly  authority 
of  the  unchangeable  God,  who  lives  for  ever ;  that  no  people  under  hea- 
ven, upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  hath  done  him  the  like  wrong, 
as  you  have  done  unto  him,  who  have  made  such  a  large  profession  of 
the  name  of  Christ  Jesus,  and  live  and  act  so  contrary,  which  hath 
caused  the  very  Turks  and  Indians  to  despise  and  blaspheme  that  wor- 
thy name ;  to  whom  you  have  been  a  stumbling  block,  and  an  offence, 
for  ages,  even  against  the  way  of  truth,  out  of  which  no  man  can  be 
saved,  whose  blood  cries  for  vengeance  against  you.  And  therefore, 
great  is  the  Lord's  controversy  with  you  this  day,  who  profess  Christianity, 
and  in  your  works  and  practices  are  found  worse  than  the  infidels;  and 
he  will  scourge  you  above  all  the  families  of  the  earth  for  these  things. 
And  thus  am  I  commanded  of  the  Lord  to  declare  unto  you,  that  you 
might  be  warned  and  repent:  for  I  have  seen  a  dreadful  day,  that  is 
hastening  upon  you,  who  have  forgotten  the  Lord  and  are  walking  like 
blind  men  at  noon  day,  because  of  your  rebellion,  spoiling,  and  destroy- 
ing one  another  in  your  madness,  folly,  and  blind  ness,|who  should  heark- 
en to  the  voice  of  God,  the  trumpet  that  is  now  sounding,  and  be 
awakened,  that  you  may  see  your  enemies  to  be  those  in  your  own 
house,  the  universal  enemy  of  the  souls  of  mankind,  against  whom 
should  all  your  strength  and  weapons  be  turned,  and  not  against  men's 
lives,  which  Christ  Jesus  is  very  tender  of,  who  is  come  to  destroy  the 
works  of  the  devil.  Therefore  fear  God,  and  be  wise,  and  leave  off  these 
things,  which  grieve  and  vex  his  righteous  spirit :  and  give  glory  to  him 
alone,  who  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  the  fountains  of  waters; 
in  whose  sight  all  nations  are  but  as  the  drop  of  a  bucket.  What  are 
you  then,  ye  sons  of  men,  who  are  seeking  glory  and  honour  one  of 
another,  whose  breath  is  in  your  nostrils,  as  a  little  vapour,  that  soon 
vanishes  away,  and  then  you  arc  gone  to  your  long  home  for  ever? 
Therefore  I  say  again,  in  the  counsel  and  love  of  the  Almighty  God,  be 
you  awakened,  and  dread  before  him;  for  the  hour  of  his  j udgments  is 
come,  and  swiftly  coming  upon  thousands,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  might  depart  from  iniquity,  and  learn  righteousness;  and  no  more 


361 


deceive  themselves  and  one  another  with  a  talk  of  worship  and  religion, 
or  an  outside  show  of  feigned  humility  and  righteousness,  which  will  not 
serve,  nor  stand  }rou  instead,  in  this  day  of  God's  pure  and  glorious  ap- 
pearance.   All  is  nothing  without  the  possession  of  life,  even  the  life  of 
him  whom  ye  profess,  must  be  manifest  in  you;  it  must  be  brought  forth 
to  light,  to  open  view  in  you  and  through  you,  or  else  you  confess  not 
Christ  come  in  the  flesh;*  but  you  are  of  antichrist,  and  not  of  God:  for 
hereby  shall  you  know  the  spirit  of  God,  every  spirit  that  confesseth 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh,  is  of  God;  and  every  spirit  that 
confesseth  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh,  is  not  of  God:  but 
this  is  the  spirit  of  antichrist,  of  whom  ye  have  heard,  how  that  he 
should  come,  and  now  already  he  is  in  this  world.    Mark,  little  children 
ye  are  of  God,  and  have  overcome  them  :  for  greater  is  he  that  is  in  you 
than  he  that  is  in  this  world,  [mark]  They  were  the  little  children 
who  were  born  again,  that  were  of  God,  who  confessed  Christ  come 
in  the  flesh :  read  you  this  chapter  throughout,  and  let  it  serve  as  a  glass 
for  all  false  Christendom,  to  see  whose  image  you  bear.    For  if  this  be 
now  the  true  meaning  of  this  place,  that  every  spirit  that  confesseth 
Jesus  Christ  come  in  that  flesh  only  born  of  the  virgin  Mary,  and  cruci- 
fied without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem,  sixteen  hundred  years  ago,  to  be  of 
God ;  if  so,  then  is  all  Christendom,  both  papists  and  protestants  of  God 
For  they  all  confess  the  same,  both  in  England,  Holland,  France,  Spain, 
Italy,  Germany,  Scotland,  Ireland,  Portugal,  Denmark,  Sweedland,  with 
many  others  in  Europe;  and  so  are  all  of  God,  notwithstanding  all  their 
divisions  and  separations  in  matters  of  religion  and  worship,  and  all  their 
oppression  and  cruelty,  fighting  and  warring,  killing  and  robbing  one 
another  for  perishing  things;  and  all  the  whoremongers,  liars,  adulte- 
rers, swearers,  fornicators,  drunkards,  cheaters,  thieves,  stage  players, 
revilers,  slanderers,  hypocrites,  proud,  envious,  covetous,  ambitious;  and 
all  the  idolaters  and  ungodly  throughout  all  Europe,  professing  Christi- 
anity, are  all  of  God,  who  have  their  creed  (or  belief,  the  confession  of 
their  faith,)  made  ready  to  their  hands,  concerning  Jesus  Christ's  being 
conceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  virgin  Mary,  suffered  under 
Pontius  Pilate,  crucified,  dead  and  buried,  and  rose  again,  &c.  So  that 
if  this  bare  confession  of  him  come  in  that  flesh  be  the  true  meaning  of 
the  holy  apostle  John,  then  are  all  those  before  mentioned  of  God, 
though  they  may  outstrip  the  heathens  and  infidels  in  unrighteousness, 
and  exceed  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  old  world  in  their  wicked- 
ness, whom  the  just  God  destroyed  for  an  example  to  all  that  should 
hereafter  live  ungodly,  the  which  I  might  hope,  that  none  are  so  hardy 
and  wilfully  blind  as  to  believe  or  imagine.  For  then  might  I  query  with 


1  John  4. 
46 


362 


such,  who  are  then  of  their  father  the  devil  in  this  age  ?  And  where  \* 
the  world  that  lieth  in  wickedness  !*  And  where  are  they  to  be  found 
who  profess  they  know  God,  but  by  works  deny  him,  and  are  abomina- 
ble and  disobedient,  and  unto  every  good  work  reprobate  ?f  See  if  this 
come  not  near  your  dwelling,  who  profess  you  know  God  and  Christ 
Jesus,  and  believe  in  him  (as  in  your  creed)  but  in  works  deny  him,  and 
crucify  him  afresh,  and  put  him  to  open  shame,  and  cause  his  holy  name 
to  be  reproached,  and  the  truth  and  way  of  life  and  peace  to  be  slighted. 
For  these  things  will  the  Lord  plead  with  you,  whose  anger  is  kindled 
against  you,  whose  rod  you  must  feel  above  all  people;  and  for  this  shall 
your  hearts  melt,  and  tremble  at  the  presence  of  God,  and  your  faces 
shall  gather  paleness ;  for  the  Lord  is  risen  in  his  dreadful  power  to 
plead  with  all  flesh,  and  the  day  of  your  account  hastens.  The  stroke  of 
his  righteous  judgments  must  come  upon  you  for  these  things ;  rocks  nor 
mountains  will  not  hide  you  from  the  wrath  of  the  Lamb ;  your  wealths, 
honours  and  strength,  will  not  deliver  you,  who  have  exalted  yourselves 
above  all  that  is  called  God,  above  truth,  above  righteousness,  above  love, 
mercy  and  meekness,  above  the  fear  of  God,  and  every  appearance  of  his 
witness  in  you,  as  if  ye  were  to  be  established  for  ever  in  unrighteousness, 
forgetting  that  God  will  bring  you  to  judgment  for  all  the  deeds  done  in 
your  bodies,  casting  his  word  behind  you,  and  feeding  on  that  which 
dies  of  itself,  like  the  beasts  that  perish.   This  is  your  state  in  the  sight 
of  God,  and  of  those  whose  eyes  he  hath  opened  by  his  grace,  the  true 
light,  which  hath  given  them  an  understanding,  and  taught  them  to 
deny  ungodliness,  and  to  live  soberly.    Therefore,  I  say  again  unto  you, 
dread  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  and  fear  and  tremble  before  him;  and 
come  down  and  repent,  all  you  high,  lofty  and  exalted  ones,  who  are 
but  as  chaff  in  his  sight,  for  God  will  make  you  bow,  and  tremble,  and 
quake  at  his  presence,  in  this  day  of  his  power,  which  is  broken  forth. 

And  all  you  false  shepherds,  hirelings,  and  blind  guides  among  the 
people,  who  have  undertaken  to  be  teachers  of  them,  whom  the  Lord 
never  sent,  but  run  for  your  filthy  lucre,  who  have  not  profited  the  peo- 
ple at  all,  but  have  caused  them  to  err  more  and  more  from  the  right 
way,  and  led  them  into  the  ditch  of  darkness  and  destruction,  for  your 
belly  and  earthly  honour's  sake ;  tremble  ye  corrupters  of  the  earth, 
eye  hypocrites,  ye  graves  and  whited  sepulchres,  full  of  deceit  and  rot- 
tenness ;  the  day  of  your  trembling  and  astonishment  is  at  hand,  ye  that 
love  pleasures  more  than  God.  You  are  enemies  to  the  cross  of  Christ 
Jesus;  you  mind  earthly  things,  though  ye  can  talk  of  heaven  with  your 
tongues,  but  your  God  is  your  belly,  on  which  you  go  and  creep  among 
the  powers  of  the  earth  ;  dust  is  your  meat,  and  with  the  serpent  you 


1  John  v.  19. 


f  Tit.  i.  16. 


V 


363 

are  cursed  above  all  the  people  upon  the  earth :  for  ye  have  been  and 
are,  the  destroyers  of  the  souls  and  bodies  of  millions  of  poor,  ignorant 
people;  and  your  glory  is  in  your  shame,  and  your  end  will  be  ever- 
lasting destruction,  without  speedy  repentance:  dreadful  is  the  cup 
you  have  to  drink,  if  ever  any  of  you  return  to  the  Lord ;  but  the  wine 
of  his  wrath,  without  mixture,  for  ever  will  be  your  portion,  if  ye  re- 
pent not;  the  Lord  God  hath  spoken  it. 

Therefore  consider  it,  all  you  pastors,  that  are  brutish,  and  have 
not  sought  the  Lord,  nor  the  everlasting  well-being  of  the  souls  of  the 
people,  but  have  sought  your  gain  from  your  quarter,  and  ruled  with 
force  and  cruelty,  like  your  brethren  of  old,  the  false  prophets ;  was 
not  the  end  of  Christ's  coming,  his  sufferings,  ministry,  life,  death,  re- 
surrection, &c.  to  bring  people  home  to  God,  to  lead  them  out  of  un- 
righteousness, and  to  reconcile  them  to  God  ?  And  can  any  be  recon- 
ciled to  him,  while  they  live  in  sin  and  unrighteousness,  in  disobedience 
to  him  ?  "jFor  without  holiness  no  man  can  see  the  Lord,"  or  have  fel- 
lowship with  him.  Will  assuming  the  name  or  title  of  holiness  make  you 
holy,  either  pope  or  prelate,  or  any  other?  Will  a  name  to  live  be 
sufficient,  while  ye  are  dead,  as  to  God,  in  your  sins  and  trespasses? 
Was  it  not  the  travel  of  Christ's  soul  (which  he  hath  seen)  to  bring  and 
gather  people  out  of  sin  and  transgression,  the  evil  that  is  in  this  world; 
and  that  they  may  come  to  behold  his  glory,  which  was  before  the  world 
was  ? 

And  can  any  behold  his  glory,  who  shut  their  eyes  against,  and  hate 
the  true  light,  his  pure  appearance,  which  shines  in  the  heart?  For  it 
was  that  which  shined  in  the  hearts  of  the  true  christians,  that  gave 
them  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Christ  Jesus. 
And  what  was  that  glory  that  was  in  him,  which  none  of  the  princes 
of  this  world  knew,  who  possessed  the  glory  of  this  world  ?  Was  it  not 
grace  and  truth  which  he  was  filled  withal  ?  And  hath  not  the  grace 
of  God  that  came  by  Jesus  Christ  which  bringeth  salvation,  appeared 
unto  all  men?  and  do  not  many  turn  away,  and  shut  their  eyes,  and 
stop  their  ears  from  it  now,  as  in  days  past,  lest  by  it  their  evil  deeds 
should  be  discovered  and  reproved  ?  But  the  true  disciples  were  (and 
are  taught  by  this  grace, "  to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to 
live  soberly,  righteously  and  godly  in  this  present  world ;"  and  who  said, 
"  by  grace  are  we  saved,  through  faith,  not  of  ourselves ;  for  it  is  the 
gift  of  God."  And  they  beheld  the  glory  of  the  Lord  as  in  a  glass,  by 
which  they  were  changed  into  the  same  image  or  likeness,  even  by 
the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  whose  labour  also,  and  the  work  of  their  minis- 
try, was,  to  turn  people  from  darkness  to  the  light,  from  satan's  power 
unto  God;  and  to  open  their  blind  eyes,  that  they  may  come  "to  see  their 
salvation,  and  to  present  them  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus.    And  if  any  man 


364 


be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  creature he  is  changed  and  the  old  thing* 
are  past  away.  Is  not  this  the  true  and  lasting  rule  among  all  true 
christians,  which  only  avails  with  God  (the  new  creature  avails)  when 
neither  circumcision  nor  uncircumcision  availeth  any  thing  ?  Is  not 
this  the  one  thing  then  that  is  needful  for  all  mankind  to  consider  ?  Did 
not  Abel  and  Enoch  walk  by  this  rule,  and  many  others,  before  the 
scripture  was  given  forth?  And  did  they  not  please  God  in  their  day? 
Were  they  not  then  in  the  true  faith,  which  worketh  by  love,  without 
which  it  is  impossible  to  please  God,*  ats  it  is  written?  And  did  they  not 
walk  with  God  in  this  faith  ?  And  were  they  not  translated  or  changed? 
And  did  not  Enoch,  the  seventh  from  Adam,  prophesy,  that  in  the  lat- 
ter days  the  Lord  would  come  in  many  thousands  of  his  saints,  or  holy 
people,  to  give  judgment  against  the  ungodly,  and  to  convince  them  of 
their  ungodly  deeds  and  hard  speeches?  (Mark)  the  saints,  translated 
and  redeemed  ones,  whom  the  Lord  hath  sanctified,  and  sent  into  the 
world,  the  army  that  is  in  heaven,  that  follow  him  upon  the  white  horse, 
who  is  come  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer,  whose  name  is  called  the 
word  of  God  (if  you  have  ears  to  hear,  hear)  against  whose  appearance 
Gog  and  Magog  have  set  themselves,  and  are  gathered  to  battle,  but 
shall  never  prevail;  for  death  and  hell,  beast  and  false  prophet,  dragon 
and  whore,  must  be  cast  into  the  lake  by  him  that  makes  war  in  righte- 
ousness, whose  sword  proceedeth  out  of  his  mouth.  And  out  of  the  mouths 
of  babes  and  sucklings  will  he  perfect  his  praise,  even  those  who  are 
weaned  from  the  breasts  of  this  perishing  vain  world,  and  who  suck  at 
the  breasts  of  the  heavenly  consolations  of  God.  These  are  them,  through 
and  by  whom  the  Lord  will  accomplish  his  mighty  work  in  the  earth, 
and  confound  the  wisdom  of  the  wise ;  for  the  Lord  is  with  them  as  a 
mighty  king  in  battle,  and  their  enemies  shall  fall  before  them;  for  the 
work  is  the  Lord's.  Therefore  dread  before  him  all  you  unclean  beasts 
of  prey,  and  all  you  pale  and  black  horsemen  of  death  and  destruc- 
tion, who  can  only  talk  of  the  fame  of  wisdom  which  is  justified  of  her 
children  whilst  you  are  wallowing  in  the  ditch  and  mire  of  pollution, 
and  yet  pretending  to  help  out  others,  and  to  cure  them  of  their  sores, 
when  you  yourselves  are  full  of  them,  from  the  crown  of  the  head  to 
the  sole  of  the  foot,  by  your  own  confession.  Consider  these  things,  ye 
blind  guides :  for  how  can  you  declare  against,  and  reprove  another  for 
the  same  things  which  you  live  in,  and  bring  forth?  How  can  you 
condemn  one  for  falling  into  the  same  pit,  into  which  you  are  as  deeply 
plunged  yourselves?  Is  not  this  like  him  (or  worse)  that  said,  let  me 
pull  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye,  when  behold  a  beam  was  in  his  own  ? 
This  is  the  state  of  you  blind  leaders  in  Christendom,  who  have  caused 


Heb.  xi.  2. 


365 


the  people  to  err,  at  whose  hand  the  Lord  will  require  their  blood, 
though  they  perish  in  their  iniquities.  But  blessed  be  the  Lord  for  ever, 
who  hath  opened  and  is  opening  the  eyes  of  thousands,  who  see  these 
deceitful  workers,  who  can  no  longer  be  led  nor  deceived  by  them, 
whom  he  hath  plucked  as  brands  out  of  the  fire,  and  the  knowledge  of 
God  is  increasing,  and  truth  exalting,  and  deceit  and  ignorance  shall 
vanish  away,  and  the  mouth  of  iniquity  shall  be  stopped;  and  he  will 
bring  forth  his  glorious  work  (already  begun)  in  these  last  days.  He  is 
gathering  a  seed  and  people  unto  himself  (from  among  the  heathen, 
which  know  him  not,  though  they  profess  his  name)  which  shall  live  to 
his  praise,  and  show  forth  the  virtues  of  his  grace  and  love,  who  shall 
confess  Christ  to  be  come  in  the  flesh  even  before  men,  and  follow  the 
lamb  wherever  he  leads  them. 

But  this  is  written  as  a  warning  unto  all  you  who  profess  Christ  in 
words,  but  in  works  deny  him,  with  whom  the  Lord  is  striving,  as  with 
the  old  world  before  the  flood;  but  his  spirit  will  not  always  strive  with 
you,  who  so  greatly  dishonour  him,  and  so  dreadfully  provoke  him  daily 
to  anger  against  you. 

Therefore,  fear  the  Lord,  all  ye  people,  who  are  in  transgression 
against  him,  high  and  low,  old  and  young,  male  and  female,  and  repent, 
and  turn  with  speed  from  your  evil  ways :  for  the  dreadful  day  of  the 
Lord  is  come,  wherein  he  is  cutting  short  his  work  in  righteousness:  for 
a  short  work  will  the  Lord  make  in  the  earth.  And  remember,  that 
without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  in  peace — no  man,  let  him 
profess  what  he  will — the  flaming  sword  will  keep  him  out,  while  in 
transgression.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God  to  all  Christendom, 
whether  you  will  hear  or  forbear. 

And  so,  having  sounded  the  trumpet  of  the  Lord  unto  you,  in  the 
true  sight  of  your  sad  and  miserable  state,  I  am  clear  of  your  blood,  if 
ye  perish  in  your  iniquities. 

W.  B. 

Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  all  you  priests  and  people,  who  cry  out 
and  say,  "  Visions  and  revelations  are  ceased  in  these  days. 99 

Where  there  is  no  vision  the  people  perish.*  And  without  revela- 
tion there  is  no  true  knowledge  of  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ, 
whom  he  hath  sent.f    And  it  is  for  want  of  knowledge  that  the  people 


•  Ttov.  xxix.  18. 


f  Matt.  ».  27. 


366 


perish.*  So  that,  if  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased  among  you,  as 
you  say,  then  you  are  all  in  a  perishing  state,  and  without  the  know- 
ledge of  the  true  God,  your  Creator,  and  Jesus  Christ,  the  saviour,  whom 
you  profess,  and  talk  of,  whom  to  know  is  life  eternal :  so,  ye  are  igno- 
rant of  eternal  life.  And  this  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  God  unto  you 
all,  priests  and  people,  "In  this  state  you  will  all  perish."  And  of  him 
am  I  commanded  thus  to  declare  unto  you.  that  you  might  yet  at  last 
be  warned  and  awakened,  before  the  day  of  your  visitation  be  wholly 
over,  and  you  left  in  utter  darkness  to  perish  for  ever. 

O  people,  awake!  Why  should  you  thus  sleep  the  sleep  of  death? 
For  how  can  it  be  otherwise  with  you.  than  to  cry  visions  and  revela- 
tions are  ceased,  who  deny  and  gainsay  the  true  light  of  the  son  of  God, 
which  doth  make  manifest,  or  reveal?  How  can  you  see,  who  close 
your  eye?  and  how  can  you  hear,  who  stop  your  ear  at  the  voice  of 
wisdom  I 

If  visions  and  revelations  be  indeed  ceased  among  you,  as  you  cry, 
who  are  the  leaders  and  teachers  of  the  people,  and  I  believe  it  is  true, 
then  is  this  prophecy  fulfilled  upon  you,  "Thus  saith  the  Lord  concern- 
ing the  prophets  that  make  my  people  err,  that  bite  with  their  teeth, 
and  cry  peace,  and  he  that  putteth  not  into  their  mouths,  they  even 
prepare  war  against  him.  Therefore,  night  shall  be  unto  you,  that  ye 
shall  not  have  a  vision;  and  it  shall  be  dark  unto  you,  that  ye  shall  not 
divine;  and  the  sun  shall  go  down  over  the  prophets,  and  their  cUrfshall 
be  dark  over  them.  Then  shall  the  seers  be  ashamed,  and  the  diviners 
confounded;  yea,  they  shall  all  cover  their  lips,  for  there  is  no  answer 
of  God,"f  &c. 

So,  read  your  state,  and  the  cause  and  ground  of  your  darkness, 
which  is  as  just  a  judgment  from  God  upon  you  now,  for  your  rebellion 
and  pride,  covetousness  and  hypocrisy,  as  upon  them ;  and  this  is  as 
really  your  state  and  condition,  who  have  caused  thousands  to  err  in 
your  days.  Visions  are  ceased  as  to  you,  and  darkness  is  over  you,  and 
blindness  is  happened  to  you,  and  therefore  shame  and  confusion  must 
cover  you,  as  it  did  them  in  whose  steps  you  are,  as  you  might  see,  as 
in  a  glass,  whose  image  ye  bear,  and  whose  path  of  darkness  ye  walk 
in,  where  you  have  no  vision,  nor  answer  of  God,  but  darkness  is  over 
you,  which  is  a  woful,  miserable,  perishing  state.  For,  vision  is  sight, 
and  without  sight  ye  are  all  blind,  both  leaders  and  followers,  and  as 
Christ  said,  will  surely  fall  into  the  ditch.  J 

Therefore,  he  bid  the  people  believe  in  the  light,  that  they  might  be- 
come the  children  of  the  light  :§  and  bid  them  all  watch  and  pray,  lest 


•  Hosea  iv.  6.       f  Mich.  iii.  5,  6.  7.       *  Matt.  xv.  14.       §  John  xii.  36. 


367 


they  enter  into  the  enemy's  temptations,*  as  his  true  ministers  exhort 
people  now. 

And  how  could  they  watch  without  light,  and  without  eye-sight  1 
How  could  they  see  the  enemy?  And  how  can  you  see  and  have  sight 
who  shut  your  eyes,  and  deny,  hate,  and  oppose  the  light,  which  ye 
should  believe  in,  and  watch  in,  which  would  give  you  a  true  sight  of 
your  own  states  and  conditions,  and  the  knowledge  of  God,  did  you  be- 
lieve in  it,  as  Christ  commanded,  as  they  had,  who  believedain  the  son 
of  God  in  days  past,  and  as  they  have  who  do  believe  in  him  now  1 

And  were  not  the  prophets  of  God  in  old  time  called  seers  ?  And  how 
could  they  see  without  light  1  And  did  they  not  see  the  states  and  con- 
ditions of  the  people,  and  warn  them  with  their  rulers  and  teachers, 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  as  they  were  moved,  who  through  them  de- 
clared the  stretching  forth  of  his  hand  all  the  day  long  unto  a  gainsay- 
ing and  a  rebellious  people,  who  were  set  as  watchmen,  to  awaken 
them;  who  declared  freely  what  they  had  seen  and  received  of  the  Lord, 
that  the  blood  of  souls  might  not  be  required  at  their  hands  ? 

O  people  1  harden  not  your  hearts,  nor  shut  your  eyes  any  longer ; 
for  the  Lord  God  hath  caused  his  day  to  dawn,  and  his  trumpet  to 
sound  a  certain  sound  unto  you  in  this  your  day,  through  his  servants,  as 
certain  as  ever  he  did  since  the  world  began. 

And  this  am  I  moved  of  the  Lord  to  write  unto  you,  that  I  may  be 
clear  of  your  blood;  and  you  will  one  day  know,  it  was  God's  visitation 
of  love  to  your  souls,  that  ye  might  not  perish  for  ever,  and  you  will  be 
left  without  excuse. 

How  could  the  hard  hearted,  rebellious,  blind  Egyptians  but  cry  out, 
visions  are  ceased,  and  revelations  are  ceased;  yea,  and  also,  that  light 
is  ceased,  and  that  the  day  was  dark  over  them,f  when  darkness  that 
might  be  felt  was  three  days  over  all  their  land,  as  a  plague  upon 
them,  because  of  their  rebellion  against  God,  in  which  they  saw  not  one 
another. 

Therefore  fear  and  dread  the  Lord,  all  you  blind  people,  and  awake, 
and  consider  your  miserable  state,  and  the  ground  of  your  outcry 
against  visions  and  revelations  in  your  days,  and  repent  speedily;  for 
there  is  light  in  Goshen,  and  the  pillar  of  tire  goeth  before  the  Israel  of 
God  (the  inward  true  Jews)  while  darkness  remains  over  all  your 
Egyptian  land  of  bondage,  rebellion  and  wickedness :  for  it  is  the  wicked 
that  walk  in  darkness,  and  the  rebellious  that  dwell  in  a  dry  land.J 

And  might  not  the  Sodomites  have  cried  out,  vision  or  sight  is  ceased, 
as  well  as  you,  when  they  were  smitten  with  blindness,  and  could  not 


*  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  f  Exod.  x.  4  Prov.  iv.  19.    Psal.  lxviii.  6. 


368 


find  Lot's  door?    And  was  not  that  a  plague  upon  them  from  the  Lord, 

for  their  rebellion  and  wickedness? 

And  might  not  Elimas  the  sorcerer  have  cried  out,  visions  and  revela- 
tions are  ceased,  and  the  day  is  become  dark  over  me,  when  he  went 
about  seeking  some  to  lead  him  by  the  hand,  being  smitten  in  judgment 
for  his  iniquity,  who  withstood,  and  sought  to  pervert  the  right  way  of 
the  Lord,  as  many  of  you  have  done,  who  have  cried,  visions  and  re- 
velations are  ceased,  who  should  cry,  and  tell  the  people,  your  sight  is 
ceased,  and  that  you  are  smitten  with  blindness,  for  vision  is  sight,  and 
so  then,  what  difference  between  you  and  the  blind  guides  of  old,  the 
Egyptians,  Elimas  the  sorcerer,  and  the  Sodomites  ? 

And  were  not  they  foolish  and  false  prophets,  who  followed  their  own 
spirit,  and  had  seen  nothing  in  days  past  ?  And  was  not  the  wo  pro- 
nounced against  them  from  the  Lord  through  a  true  prophet,  Ezekiel  ? 
And  what  prophets  or  teachers  must  you  be  called,  that  see  nothing, 
and  that  cry,  seeing  is  ceased  ?  for  if  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased, 
then  sight  and  knowledge  is  ceased,  and  blindness,  darkness  and  igno- 
rance is  over  you  and  night  is  upon  you,  as  was  upon  your  brethren 
and  forefathers,  the  false  prophets ;  and  this  is  a  plague  and  just  judg- 
ment from  God  upon  all  you  who  hate  the  light,  and  love  darkness, 
striving  to  stop  and  shut  out  every  appearance  of  it  ?  How  then  should 
it  be  otherwise  with  you,  who  are  thus  wilfully  blind,  opposing  that 
which  makes  manifest  and  reproves  your  evil  deeds ;  to  whom  "the  eye- 
lids of  the  morning  are  as  the  shadow  of  death?"* 

O  you  priests  and  leaders  of  the  people !  who  have  filled  their  ears 
with  outcries  against  the  light,  and  that  visions  and  revelations  are 
ceased ;  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  your  lips  shall  be  covered,  and  your 
mouths  stopped;  and  I  will  bring  my  judgments  upon  you,  and  make  you 
an  abhorrence  to  the  people ;  it  had  been  good  for  you  that  you  had 
never  been  born,  and  that  the  womb  had  been  your  grave :  and  this 
shall  you  know  in  the  day  of  your  account,  in  which  your  reward  shall 
be  according  to  your  works. 

What  darkness  and  blindness  must  you  needs  feed  the  people  withal, 
and  lead  them  into,  who  see  nothing,  but  follow  your  own  dark  spirit  ? 
Whither  can  you  lead  them,  who  follow  you,  that  walk  in  darkness, 
and  know  not  whither  you  go,  whose  sight  is  ceased  and  gone,  as  you 
blind  guides  confess  and  publish,  that  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased: 
so  you  will  all  perish,  both  leaders  and  followers,  if  you  come  not  out 
of  this  state  of  darkness,  according  to  that  true  saying,  where  there  is 
no  vision,  the  people  perish.f 

How  dare  you  blind  guides  thus  presume  to  lead  the  blind  people, 


•  Job  xxiv.  f  Frov.  xxvi.  8. 


making  merchandise  of  them  for  fdthy  lucre  sake?  For  ye  do  in  effect 
<av,  that  ye  are  all  blind  and  have  no  true  sight  at  all,  nor  any  answer  of 
God.  for  it  is  the  same  thing.  For  vision  is  sight,  and  revelation  or  re- 
vealing is  opening,  manifesting,  or  showing,  as  Christ  Jesus  said  to  his 
disciples,  who  were  led  by  the  spirit  of  truth,  that  it  should  show  them 
things  to  come,  and  that  he  would  show  them  plainly  of  the  Father,  who 
opens,  and  no  man  can  shut.  And  a  minister  of  Christ  said,  God  shall 
reveal  even  this  unto  you.~ 

And  "  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all/'  who  hath  in  these 
last  davs  poured  forth  of  his  spirit,  and  his  sons  and  daughters  do  pro- 
phesy, and  the  young  men  do  see  visions  as  in  days  past.  And  the  mys- 
teries of  his  kingdom  are  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  this  world, 
and  revealed  to  babes,  who  believe  in  the  light,  and  are  led  by  the 
spirit  of  truth  as  in  ages  past.  Did  not  God  reveal  his  son  in  Paul,  who 
before  was  a  persecutor  of  his  people,  and  had  the  scripture  and  the 
law  without,  yet  knew  not  God  till  he  revealed  his  son  in  him ! 

And  did  he  not  call  the  appearance  of  Christ  to  him.  a  heavenly 
vision  ?y  And  did  not  he  come  to  visions  and  revelations  of  the  Lord, 
and  witness  them? 

And  did  not  Peter  know  more  of  the  mind  and  counsel  of  God  by  a 
vision, who  said,  "now  I  perceive. thatGod  is  no  respecter  of  persons/'  &c.i 

But  what  do  you  perceive  or  discern  who  are  opposing  the  light, 
and  are  wholly  blind,  denying  revelations  and  visions,  the  sight  which  God 
would  give  you.  were  you  obedient  to  that  which  checks  and  reproves 
you  for  your  evil  deeds,  words  and  thoughts  ? 

Is  not  that  the  natural  man.  and  carnal  mind  (that  is  in  enmity 
against  God.  and  not  subject  to  him)  which  perceives  not  the  things  of 
the  spirit  of  God,  that  are  spiritually  discerned  I  judge  ve.  And  how- 
can  any  perceive  who  are  from  the  light  which  they  be  lighted  withal, 
and  hate  it;  for  every  one  that  doth  evil,  hates  the  light,  and  loves 
darkness  ! 

This  is  the  ground  of  your  rage  and  outcry  against  the  light  which 
discovers  you.  and  that  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased :  you  love 
darkness  rather  than  light,  because  your  deeds  are  evil,  and  so  the  light 
i-  your  condemnation. 

And  in  this  dark  state  vou  have  caused  manv  to  err,  and  strength- 
ened the  hands  of  the  wicked,  that  they  turn  not  from  their  evil  Ways, 
whose  blood  the  Lord  will  require  of  vou. 

For,  whither  can  you  lead  people  who  are  thus  blind,  but  into 
darkness  blindness,  dangers,  condemnation  and  destruction?  As  the 
foolish  false  prophets  and  brutish  pastor-  did.  who  followed  their  own 

*PhiI.  iii.  15.  f  Gat  i.  16.  Acts  xxvi.  19.  2  Cor.  xii.  1.  Gal.  i.  12,  and  ii.  2. 
Ephes.  iii.  3,  Acts  x. 

11 


970 

spirit*  and  had  seen  nothing,'  who  destroyed  the  flock  that  follow, 
them,  as  you  have  done,  by  seducing  the  people  from  the  anointing' 
within  them,  for  filthy  lucre.  Ye  ;ire  the  evil  men  and  seducers  spoken 
of,  that  wax  worse  and  worse,  deceiving  and  being  deceived,  resisting 
the  truth,  as  Jannes  and  Jambres  withstood  Moses;  but  your  fully,  blind- 
ness and  madness  is  making  manifest,  as  theirs  was;  and  ye  shall  pro- 
ceed no  further,  but  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  your  fathers,  as  they  did 
who  opposed  and  cried  against  the  light  of  the  world,  as  you  do  in  your 
day. 

Therefore  I  warn  and  charge  all  you  blind  guides,  in  the  name  and 
authority  of  the  Lord  God,  cease  deceiving  the  people ;  cease  preaching 
to  them  till  ye  have  seen  something,  as  the  true  prophets  and  apostles 
of  Christ  did  and  do,  (who  have  stood  in  his  counsel,  and  caused  the 
people  to  hear  his  word,  and  turned  them  from  their  evil  ways)  as  ye 
will  answer  it  before  him,  and  as  ye  would  have  the  guilt  of  the  blood 
of  souls  wiped  off  you,  which  otherwise  will  sink  you  for  ever;  and  this  is 
the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  you,  whether  you  will  hear  or  forbear. 

Let  your  pride,  ambition,  and  filthy  lucre  deceive  you  no  longer,  for 
which  you  have  deceived  and  beguiled  ignorant  people  these  many 
years,  both  body  and  soul,  as  thieves  and  robbers,  who  have  climbed  up 
another  way  than  by  the  door,  Christ  Jesus,  the  true  light,  that  lightctlt 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  stealing  the  words  from  you» 
neighbours  to  make  a  trade  and  gain  of,  as  your  former  brethren  did.f 

And  this  shall  as  surely  be  laid  to  your  charge  in  the  day  of  your 
account  /as  it  was  to  theirs,  against  whom  the  woes  were  denounced  in 
their  day,  as  ye  may  read.J 

And  how  can  you  declare  and  preach  and  talk  to  others  of  Cod, 
whom  ye  know  not  ?  For  all  who  deny  revelation  and  vision,  know  not 
God,  as  it  is  written,  "  No  man  knoweth  the  son,  but  the  Father ;  neither 
knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  son,  and  he  to  whomsoever  the  son 
will  reveal  him.§"  So  that  without  revelation  ye  can  have  no  knowledge 
of  God.  So  you  that  deny  revelation,  speak  only  by  hearsay  of  your 
neighbours-  words,  which  ye  steal  as  aforesaid  for  your  bellies'  sake  ;- 
and  arc  as  blind  and  ignorant  of  the  true  God  as  your  brethren,  de- 
clared against  by  Isaiah, ||  "his  watchmen  are  blind,  they  arc  all  ignorant, 
they  arc  all  dumb  dogs,  they  cannot  bark  (to  awaken  the  people)  sleep- 
ing, lying  down,  loving  to  slumber;  yea,  they  are  greedy  dogs,"  that  can 
never  have  enough ;  and  they  are  shepherds  that  cannot  understand ; 
they  all  look  to  their  own  way,  every  one  for  his  gain  from  his  quar- 
ter, &c. 


♦  Ezek.  IS.  f  Jer.  xxiii.  50.  *  Jcr.  xxiii.  1,  30.  Ezek;.  xiii.  3.  Zed.,  x 

17.  Matt.  23.         ?  Mutt.  x't.  27.  \  Isa.  hi.  10,  11,  12. 


371 


See  now  if  tlu-  be  not  your  state,  and  exact  parallel:  do  not  you  look 
to  vour  own  way.  and  for  your  gain  from  your  partieular  quarter,  or 
parish,  as  they  did,  and  are  not  you  as  void  of  true  understanding,  and 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  these  shepherds  were  !  Examine  your- 
selves a  little,  every  particular  of  you,  and  see  if  thou  be  not  the  man. 
thou  that  ha<t  thy  gain  from  thy  quarter,  and  yet  deniest  revelation-, 
and  -o  thou  denies*  to  know  God,  and  so  art  an  heathen,  and  no  chris- 
tian ;  for  the  christians  own  revelations  and  visions,  as  may  be  read 
plentifully  in  the  scriptures  of  truth,  and  they  knew  God.  and  had  fel- 
low-hip  with  him,  and  walked  in  the  light,  and  saw  his  glory  in  the  face 
of  Christ  Jesus."* 

But  you  have  seen  nothing  but  darkness,  who  shut  your  eyes  and  deny 
the  light,  in  which  the  saints'  fellowship  is :  and  God  i^  light,  so  you  deny 
God.  and  Christ,  and  his  people,  and  their  fellowship, and  the  saints1  in- 
heritance, which  i-  in  the  light.f 

So  ye  are  without  God  in  the  world,  and  you  speak  in  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  and  that  spirit  it  is  that  hears  you,  as  John  said.j  And  it  is 
that  spirit  that  upholds  you.  to  whom  ye  can  speak  peace,  while  they 
put  into  your  mouths;  hut  them  that  are  redeemed  from  that  spirit  by 
(he  precioKS  blood  of  Christ  (as  of  a  lamb  without  spot)  and  cannot  put  into 
vour  mouths,  you  prepare  war  against  them  and  reproach  them  for  your 
bcllie-'  sake,  which  i-  your  God.  who  mind  earthly  things,  enemies  to  the 
cross  of  Christ,  whose  end  will  lie  destruction,  murmurcrs  and  complain- 
<Ts.  walking  after  your  own  ungodly  lusts;  as  your  brethren  did.  who 
cried,  where  is  the  promise  of  his  coming:  "for  since  the  fathers  fell 
asleep,  all  things  continue  as  they  were'"  Clouds  without  rain.  carri*  d 
about  with  a  tempest,  for  whom  the  blackness  of  darkness,  (w  hich  yon 
love.)  is  reserved  for  ever,  if  ye  repent  not  speedily; 

For  you  cry,  since  theapostles5  days,  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased, 
and  no  freedom  to  be  expected  here  in  thi-  life:  so  then  this  follows,  no 
knowledge  of  God  here,  nor  no  sight  of  hhn  here:  but  his  hand  i<  short- 
ened that  he  cannot  save:  and  his  ear  is  heavy,  that  he  cannot  hear: 
nothing  but  blindness,  darkne-s  and  bondage*  a  prison,  a  dark  dungeon, 
ran  be  expected  here:  this  i<  the  consequence  md  effect  of  your  belief, 
principle  and  doctrine. 

()  miserable  state  !  "Miserable  comforter-  are  ye  all :"'  surely  the  Lord 
never  sent  you  with  this  message  to  poor  captives;  lei  In-  messengers 
brought  glad  tiding-,  they  proclaimed  liberty  and  freedom,  and  turned 
people  from  darkness  to  the  light,  from  the  power  of  -atan.  thai  capti 
>  iied  them,  to  the  power  of  God  thai  ledemed  them,  and  they  did  aid 

do  witness  plenteous  redemption.^ 


•  3  Cor 


■f  Col.  i.  1J.  Ac 


So  you  are  false  messengers,  your  message  is  false,  and  not  from  God, 
and  you  are  false  ministers  and  false  teachers,  and  false  prophets,  keep- 
ing people  in  captivity  and  bondage,  ever  learning,  and  so  ever  paying 
you,  and  never  are  able  by  you  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth 
which  makes  free.* 

But  the  children  of  light  have  found  you  to  be  liars,  who  witness  the 
Lord's  hand  is  not  shortened,  &c.  but  life  and  immortality  is  brought  to 
light  through  the  gospel,  which  is  the  power  of  God  to  salvation  to  every 
one  that  believe  and  obey  him ;  and  this  is  glad  tidings  to  them  now,  as 
it  was  to  Abraham,  who  saw  Christ's  day  and  rcjoiccd.f 

So  you  are  not  of  Abraham's  seed  nor  belief,  but  of  that  generation, 
from  whom  light  or  sight  is  withholden,  as  ye  may  read  ;J  for  it  is  the 
candle  of  the  wicked  that  is  put  out,  who  rebel  against  the  light :  and 
it  is  your  iniquities  and  sins  have  hid  his  face,  and  withhold  good  things 
from  you;  and  it  is  the  rebellious  that  dwell  in  a  dry  or  dark  land,  where 
ye  are  separated  from  the  sight  and  presence  of  the  glory  of  God,  and 
so  no  marvel  ye  cry,  sight,  or  vision  and  revelations  are  ceased,  who 
speak  what  you  see  with  your  father,  the  prince  of  darkness,  whose 
messengers  ye  are,  and  who  do  his  work. 

But  the  pure  in  heart  see  God,  who  walk  in  the  path  of  the  just, 
which  is  as  a  shining  light,  which  shines  more  and  more  to  the  perfect  day. 
So  it  is  the  corrupt  heart  that  cannot  see  God,  and  the  corrupt  mind, 
where  visions  and  revelations  are  ceased :  This  is  your  state,  men  of 
corrupt  minds,  reprobate  concerning  the  faith  which  purifieth  the  heart, 
in  which  holy  faith  the  children  of  light  are  builded,  and  building  upon 
the  rock  of  ages,  which  the  gates  of  hell  and  darkness  cannot  prevail 
against,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

But  night  is  upon  you,  that  ye  cannot  divine,  and  ye  have  no  answer 
of  God;  the  day  is  dark  over  you,  the  sun  is  gone  down  from  you, 
but  is  risen  to  them  that  fear  his  name,  with  healing  under  his  wings; 
a  mystery  to  all  you  blind  physicians  of  no  value,  to  whom  visions  and 
revelations  are  ceased,  to  whom  the  knowledge  of  God  is  ceased,  and 
eternal  life  is  ceased,  and  salvation  and  hope  of  deliverance  is  ceased ; 
so  ye  may  justly  murmur  and  complain,  as  ye  do,  and  cry,  where  is  the 
promise  of  his  coming?  who  is  come  in  the  clouds  witnesses  of  heaven 
out  of  your  sight,  whose  eye  the  God  of  this  world  hath  blinded,  lest  the 
light  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  which  is  the  image  of  the  invisible 
God  should  shine  unto  you.§ 

But  blessed  be  the  Lord  for  ever,  who  hath  caused  his  day  to  dawn, 
and  his  day-star  to  arise  in  the  hearts  of  many,  and  his  sun  to  shine  as 

*  John  viii.  32,  f  John  viii.  56.  *  Job  xxxviii.  15,  and  xxi.  17,  and  xxiv.  SO. 
$  2  Cor.  iv.  4. 


373 


in  a  morning  withoul  clouds,  which  gives  us  to  see  his  salvation :  and  in 
the  same  light  do  we  see  and  witness  against  all  you  false  shepherds 
and  hirelings,  filthy  dreamers  and  blind  guides,  who  have  caused  the 
people  to  err,  and  destroyed  them  for  lack  of  knowledge,  who  are  igno- 
rant of  God  and  his  way  of  truth,  and  speak  evil  of  it,  whose  knowledge 
is  only  natural,  in  which  like  brute  beasts  you  are  corrupting  and  sport- 
ing yourselves  with  your  own  deceivings,  whose  mouths  God  will  stop 
and  put  to  silence,  and  the  time  is  at  hand ;  for  it  is  only  your  bellies, 
your  filthy  lucre  and  your  ambition  that  hath  opened  them ;  and  your 
nakedness  and  shame  shall  appear  to  the  people,  that  yet  see  you 
not  as  you  are :  the  rocks  and  mountains  shall  not  be  able  to  hide  you 
from  the  wrath  of  the  lamb  which  is  kindled  against  you,  for  the  Lord 
is  against  you. 

And  the  Lord  will  open  the  eyes  and  mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings 
more  and  more,  to  the  manifesting  and  confounding  of  you,  and  all  that 
uphold  you  and  follow  you. 

And  this  was  I  moved  and  commanded  of  the  Lord  to  write ;  and  1  am 
thus  far  clear  of  all  your  blood,  whether  you  hear  or  forbear. 

Who  am  a  lover  of  and  a  travailer  for  the  welfare  of  the  immortal 
souls  of  people, 

William  Bayly. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

This  is  our  message,  and  this  we  declare,  as  moved  of  the  Lord 
that  "  God  is  light,  and  in  him  no  darkness  at  all :  and  he  that  saith  he 
hath  fellowship  with  him,  and  walks  in  darkness,  is  a  liar."* 

And  this  God  hath  given  his  son  Christ  Jesus  a  light,  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles  as  well  as  the  Jews  who  "  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  but  in 
every  nation  he  that  feareth  God,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  ac- 
cepted of  him :"  and  "he  that  believeth  in  him,  shall  be  saved ;"  but  he 
that  believeth  not  in  the  son  of  God,  shall  be  damned.f 

And  Christ  Jesus,  the  eternal  son  of  God,  is  the  true  light,  that  light- 
eth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world.  This  was  John's  message, 
and  this  is  ours,  that  all  men  through  him  might  believe.  And  this  was 
Paul's  work,  to  turn  people's  minds  from  darkness  to  the  light.  And 
Christ's  exhortation,  to  believe  and  walk  in  the  light,  that  people  might 
hecome  the  children  of  light.J 

And  a  talent,  the  manifestation  of  the  spirit  of  God,  is  given  to  every 
man  to  prolit  withal,  (which  is  light.)  And  all  are  left  without  excuse 
before  him  in  the  day  of  account ;  where  none  will  be  condemned  be- 

*  1  John  i.  0.  f  John  iii.  IS.  |  John  xii.  33,  36. 


mi 


cause  they  had  not  a  talent,  but  because  Ihey  were  unprofitable  ser- 
vants, and  did  not  improve  that  which  was  given  them  of  God.  For  the 
condemnation  is  not  because  light  is  wanting  amongst  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  men;  but  this  is  the  condemnation,  that  "light  is  come 
into  the  world,  and  men  love  darkness  (that  which  is  not  of  God)  rather 
than  light,  because  their  deeds  be  evil.  For  every  one  that  doth  evil, 
hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light,  lest  his  deeds  should  be 
discovered  and  reproved;  but  he  that  doth  truth,  comes  to  the  light, 
&c."    This  is  the  testimony  of  the  scriptures  of  truth.   John  iii.  11). 

And  this  true  light,  which  is  universal,  is  that  grace  of  God  which 
hath  appeared  to  all  men,  which  bringeth  salvation  to  them  that  be- 
lieve and  obey,  of  which  the  apostle  Paul  declared  to  Titus,  chap.  ii. 
which  was  their  teacher,  that  taught  them  to  deny  "ungodliness  (that 
which  is  contrary  to  the  light)  and  worldly  lust,  and  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  world."  And  by  grace  Ihey  were 
saved  through  faith  (mark  that;)  and  this  grace  is  not  of  ourselves,  if  i- 
God's  gift,  as  ye  may  read,  Ephcs.  ii.  v.  and  viii. 

And  it  is  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts  that  separate  people  from  God, 
their  creator,  who  hath  no  fellowship  with  them  that  walk  in  darkness; 
neither  can  any  be  reconciled  to  him,  but  as  they  depart  from  iniquity  , 
which  is  the  partition  wall  and  ground  of  separation  between  God  fejjid 
man.  For  there  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked ;  and  he  that  believeth  not, 
the  wrath  of  God  abides  on  him,  as  it  is  written,  John  iii.  36,  And  all 
people  who  believe  not  in  the  true  light  which  they  be  lighted  withal, 
are  still  in  the  unbelief,  and  the  light  is  their  condemnation,  according 
to  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  beloved  son  of  God,  whom  all  are 
to  hear,  obey  and  follow. 

So  all  people  who  desire  life  and  peace,  and  to  escape  the  wrath  to 
come,  believe  in  the  light,  and  bring  your  deeds,  words  and  thoughts  to 
it.  that  they  maybe  proved;  and  learn  of  the  grace  of  God,  which  hath 
appeared  to  you,  which  is  truth,  and  is  no  lie,  which  grace  and  truth 
came  by  Jesus  Christ,  who  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the 
world;  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  is  the  salvation  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth;  and  there  is  no  other  name  under  heaven  whereby  men 
shall  be  saved. 

So  this  is  the  day  of  your  visitation;  and  happy  will  you  be  that  obey 
the  Lord,  and  turn  at  his  reproofs.  But  the  rebellious  dwell  in  a  dry 
land,  and  the  pit  wherein  is  no  water  of  refreshment  will  be  (heir 
portion  for  ever;  and  this  shall  ye  all  know  in  the  end,  and  thai  you 
were  warned  hereof  in  true  love  to  your  immortal  souls,  by 


William  Bayli 


REBELLION  REBUKED. 


tn  an  answer  to  a  scandalous  pamphlet,  entitled  the  Quaker  Con- 
verted to  Christianity]  cS-c,  Written  by  one  William  Haworth.  an 
Independent  preacher  in  Hart  fords  hire,  and  William  Dimsdale* 
a  young  man  in  the.  town  of  Hartford,  a  professor  and  a  hearer 
of  the  said  W.  H.  By  a  friend  of  truth,  who  wishes  its  pros- 
perity in  true  love  to  the  souls  of  all  people,  William  Bayly  . 


They  are  of  those  that  rebel  against  the  light,  they  know  not  the  ways  thereof,  nor 
ab'ule  in  the  path  thereof.  Job  xxiv.  13. 


concerning  this  young  man,  whom  William  Haworth  calls,  "The 
Quaker  converted,"  and  giveth  his  book  that  title;  we  would  have  all 
moderate  people  to  judge  by  what  follows,  whether  he  was  such  a  one 
as  he  hath  styled  him:  for  he  hath  affirmed  in  his  epistle  to  that  little 
pamphlet,  that  "lie  was  fully  of  their  way.  faith,  spirit  and  principle:" 
and  that  "He  went  further  than  most  of  them  towards  that  they  call 
perfection:"  and  that  "He  is  now  able  to  engage  any  Quaker  in  England 
in  discourse :"  making  a  very  great  boast,  with  much  joy.  as  if  he  had 
taken  some  great  prize,  or  obtained  a  great  victory,  as  may  be  seen  in 
his  aforesaid  epistle. 

Now,  here  follow  the  young  man's  own  words,  by  which  he  may  per- 
ceive how  far  he  was  a  Quaker,  and  see  if  W;  H.  doth  yet  understand 
what  they  and  their  perfection  are;  and  when  did  he  hear  them  call 
that  perfection,  which  this  young  man  had  attained  to?  viz.  "And 
when  I  thought  of  going  to  the  Quakers,  these  things  winch  I  did  not 
like  among  them  kept  me  back,  having  not  ground  in  myself  for  to  do 
them,  of  which  silent  meetings  was  the  chief,  putting  oiF  my  hat  was 
another,  for  when  I  met  with  one  friend  or  other,  if  I  saluted  him  with 
my  hat,  I  knew  not  that  I  did  offend  God  any  more  than  if  I  did  not.  JVow 
there  were  some  things  which  the  Quakers  did,  that  I  was  not  convinced 
of."'  And  concluded.  "He  could  not  agree  with  them  in  all  things." 
And  I  went  several  times,  as  other  boys  did :  only  this,  I  was  taken  off 
from  having  delight  in  sports  and  pastimes  quickly  after  my  going, 
(mark  that !)  And  at  that  time  1  was  of  that  frame  of  spirit,  that  1  was 
ready  to  a>senf  to  every  thing  the  Quakers  did.  whether  I  had  ground 
for  it  or  not."- 

Here  ye  may  read  and  understand  this  young  man's  perfection  in  the 
Quakers'  way,  and  compare  it  with  William  Hawoith's  affirmation,  as 


376 


aforesaid,  and  then  let  all  sober  and  rational  people  judge,  if  this  young 
man  was  "  Fully  of  their  way,  spirit,  faith,  and  principle,  and  went 
farther  towards  that  they  call  perfection  than  most  of  them,"  as  he  hath 
affirmed,  page  1. 

First.  Whether  it  be  the  Quakers'  way,  faith,  spirit,  and  principle,  to 
dislike  silent  meetings,  as  this  young  man  did,  which  "  kept  him  backt? 
Mark  that. 

2ndly.  Whether  it  be  the  Quakers'  way,  faith,  spirit,  and  principle,  to 
salute  their  friends,  or  any  others,  with  putting  off  their  hats,  as  this 
young  man  did,  "not  knowing  he  offended  God."  &c? 

odly.  Whether  it  be  the  Quakers'  way,  faith,  spirit,  and  principle  to 
"Assent  to  things  without  ground,"  or  are  they  of  that  frame  of  spirit 
to  be  ready  to  assent  to  every  thing  another  of  them  doth,  whether 
they  have  ground  for  it  or  not,  as  this  young  man  was? 

4thly.  And  whether  it  be  the  Quakers'  way,  faith,  spirit,  and  princi- 
ple to  say  "  You'''  to  a  single  person,  and  to  call  men  "  Master,"  as  this 
young  man  did ;  who  confesseth,  "  He  could  not  agree  with  them  in  all 
things." 

So  take  notice,  what  the  things  are  he  did  dislike,  and  could  not  agree 
with  them  in,  which  kept  him  back,  as  he  hath  said. 

And  now  see  if  he  were  fully  of  the  Quakers'  "  Way,  faith,  spirit, 
and  principle,  and  wTent  farther  than  most  of  them  towards  that  they 
call  perfection,"  as  W.  H.  hath  affirmed  and  publishd  to  his  own  shame, 
who  is  so  blind,  through  his  envy,  that  he  did  not  see  the  same  young 
man  giving  him  the  lie,  in  several  places  in  the  aforesaid  pamphlet  to 
which  he  wrote  the  epistle ! 

And  how  may  the  whole  nation  of  England,  and  many  in  other  coun- 
tries, and  such  as  have  been  their  persecutors,  give  this  envious  man 
the  lie,  and  rebuke  him  for  his  folly  and  wickedness.  wTho  hath  made 
such  notorious  lies  and  slanders  against  an  innocent,  suffering  people ; 
as  will  more  appear  in  what  followeth. 

It  is  well  known  to  many  yet  living,  what  a  stir  and  a  stumbling 
there  was  about  their  meeting  in  silence,  their  keeping  on  their  hats, 
and  speaking  plain  language,  without  respect  of  persons,  according  to 
the  scriptures  of  truth;*  denying  their  former  needless  words  and  vain 
compliments;  being  come  to  know  a  bridle  to  their  tongues,  and  their 
salvation  wrought  out  with  fear  and  trembling,  which  was  a  strange 
work  and  wonder  to  professor  and  profane,  though  plentifully  testified 
of  in  the  scriptures,  which  thy  call  their  rule,  but  know  them  not,  as  is 
manifest. 

And  what  great  and  cruel  sufferings  did  many  of  them  sustain,  bo- 


*  James  i.  26. 


377 


cause  of  their  faithfulness  to  God  in  these  things,  which  were  contempt- 
ible in  the  eyes  of  the  wise  and  prudent  men  of  this  world,  who  scornfully 
reproached  them  by  the  name  Quaker,  because  they  were  such  as 
trembled  at  the  word  of  the  Lord! 

Now  these  are  the  things  that  kept  this  young  man  back,  which  he 
did  not  like,  nor  find  ground  in  himself  to  do,  as  he  hath  said.  But  the 
Quakers  do  still  find  ground  in  the  truth  to  do  what  the  Lord  requireth ; 
and  their  way,  faith,  spirit,  and  principle  are  the  same,  and  not  changed. 

Now,  wherein  this  young  man  was  "fully  of  their  way,  faith,  spirit 
and  principle,"  who  knows?  And  wherein  his  "perfection"  did  consist, 
nobody  knows,  except  in  perfectly  denying  the  truth  and  power  of  God, 
and  fleeing  the  cross,  with  W.  H.,  who  also  did  stumble  at  the  same 
stumbling  stone,  which  became  as  a  rock  of  offence  unto  him ;  as  the 
witness  of  God  in  him  shall  shortly  bring  to  his  remembrance,  though 
at  present  his  pride  and  envy  have  blinded  him,  and  he  hath  made  lies 
his  refuge  to  oppose  and  vilify  the  people  of  the  Lord. 

For  this  young  man  hath  sufficiently  confessed  his  ignorance  concern- 
ing the  work  and  way  of  the  Lord,  who  did  dislike  and  stumble  at  silent 
meetings,  which  the  Quakers  do  not  dislike,  but  do  prize,  as  a  means 
through  which  they  came  to  know  the  Lord,  and  his  salvation,  as  their 
brethren  did  in  ages  past,  who  waited  for  him  in  the  way  of  his  judg- 
ments,* as  may  be  plentifully  seen  in  the  scriptures  of  truth,  where  the 
Lord  commanded  silence  and  stillness,  &c.  Of  which  I  may  mention 
something  at  present,  for  the  sake  of  the  ignorant,  as  "Keep  silence  be- 
fore me,  O  islands,  and  let  the  people  renew  their  strength;  let  them 
come  near,  then  let  them  speak."f  But  this  is  hid  from  the  vulture's 
eye,  and  from  all  who  disobey  the  light,  which  they  be  lighted  withal. 
"Be  silent,  O  all  flesh,  before  the  Lord,"J  &c.  "But  the  Lord  is  in 
his  holy  temple,  let  all  the  earth  keep  silence  before  him."§  Hear  this, 
ye  earthly  minded,  who  use  your  tongues,  and  the  Lord  never  sent  you. 
And  "there  was  silence  in  heaven."||  But  this  is  out  of  your  reach, 
who  cry,  "Revelations  are  ceased."  "  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God," 
&c.H  "Tremble,  and  sin  not."**  "Examine  your  own  hearts,  and  be 
still."fj-  "Therefore  will  I  wait  upon  the  Lord."  "But  they  that  wait 
upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength."  And  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord 
bid  his  disciples  wait  till  they  were  endued  with  power  or  strength  from 
on  high.  Much  more  might  be  mentioned,  but  this  may  serve  to  let 
you  see  your  ignorance  of  the  work  and  way  of  the  Lord  among  his 
people,  who  did  not  dislike  nor  stumble  at  such  things,  as  you  do.  For, 

*  Isa.  xxvi.  f  Isa.  xli.  *  Ezek.  ii.  13.  §  Hab.  ii.  20.  ||  Rev.  8. 
1  Psal.  xlvi.       **  Psal.  iv.  ff  Isa.  viii.  and  xl.  31. 


48 


378 


"He  that  loveth  his  brother,  abideth  in  the  light,  and  there  is  no  occa- 
sion of  stumbling  in  him."* 

So  here  ye  may  read  and  see  the  cause  and  ground  of  your  disliking 
and  stumbling  at  these  things,  which  the  holy  men  of  God  were 
acquainted  with  in  all  ages.  And  what  was  the  cause,  why  the  name 
Quaker  was  first  given  to  this  people  in  reproach,  at  that  day]  but  only 
for  witnessing  the  states  and  conditions  of  the  holy  men  of  God,  record- 
ed in  the  scriptures  of  truth,  whose  salvation  was  wrought  out  with  fear 
and  trembling;  who  would  have  been  called  Quakers,  had  they  been  in 
your  days,  of  which  much  might  be  spoken. 

So  this  young  man  W.  H.  cries  up  for  such  a  perfect  Quaker,  is  so 
far  from  being  such  a  one,  that  he  is  ignorant  of  those  things,  and  dis- 
likes them,  for  which  that  name  was  given  them,  as  he  confessed  to  me, 
and  could  not  own  that  refuge  of  lies  W.  H.  hath  made  concerning  him. 
And  I  do  not  understand  from  his  master,  or  any  in  Hartford,  that  he 
was  ever  ten  times  at  the  Quakers'  meetings;  but  went  sometimes  as 
other  boys  did,  as  he  hath  said,  and  may  be  further  seen  in  an  account 
from  Hartford. 

So,  let  the  reader  observe  and  take  notice,  what  a  thing  of  nought, 
or  rather  scandalous  lies,  which  W.  H.  hath  heaped  up,  he  rejoices  in, 
and  makes  his  vain  oration  and  boast  of,  as  in  his  epistle.  And  see  some 
of  this  poor,  bewildered  lad's  contradictions  and  confusions,  in  speaking 
about  the  light,  wherein  he  hath  showed  his  weakness  and  blindness, 
and  not  his  perfection,  nor  ability  to  engage  any  Quaker  in  England,  as 
W.  H.  hath  foolishly  boasted,  like  a  foolish  child  of  a  feather,  or  like  a 
distracted  man  that  fights  with  the  air. 

Now,  here  are  some  of  the  young  man's  own  words,  as  he  hath  set 
them  down  in  the  aforesaid  pamphlet,  by  way  of  question  and  answer. 

"  Quest. — Was  that  light  by  which  I  was  convinced  of  sin,  and  by 
obedience  thereunto  thought  I  should  be  brought  into  the  image  of 
Christ — was  it  the  light  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  ?    Yea  or  nay. 

Answ. — Nay,  if  I  may  judge  of  the  tree  by  the  fruit. 

Quest. — What  light  is  it  then  ? 

Answ. — The  same  with  that  which  the  heathens  had  by  nature,  six- 
teen hundred  years  since.  Rom.  ii.  14." 

Reply. — Now  let  the  reader  give  judgment  concerning  this  tree,  ac- 
cording to  the  fruits  thereof,  which  he  himself  hath  tasted,  as  by  his 
own  confession. 

"As  I  went  on,  I  met  with  a  passage,  Ephes.  v.  'Foolish  talking  and 
jesting,'  and  Matt.  xii.  36.  *  Ye  shall  give  an  account  for  every  idle 
word,'  and  the  light  in  me  assented  to  it,  that  I  ought  not  to  do  so;  and 


*  Johnii.  10. 


379 


when  I  was  reproved  for  it,  I  was  obedient,  and  by  obedience  was  de- 
livered from  such  sins,  from  whence  I  became  of  few  words."    Page  7. 

"Quest.-— Was  there  not  a  power,  when  1  obeyed  the  light,  reproving 
me  for  sin,  which  did  deliver  me  from  sinning,  and  gave  me  strength  to 
do  that  which  was  good,  and  right,  and  just  before  God  and  man  ? 

Answ, — Yes,  there  was  a  power  which  did  deliver  me  from  sinning 
outwardly,  or  doing  any  wrong  to  my  neighbour,  or  telling  lies,  but  chose 
rather  to  suffer  anger  than  to  do  it.  It  bore  me  up  when  I  was  hissed 
at  for  what  I  did,"  &c.    Page  18. 

And  in  page  3  and  4,  "  I  will  insert  one  remarkable  passage  which  I 
did  when  I  was  about  nineteen  or  twenty  years  of  age,  which  is  this, 
viz :  I  being  sent  to  the  shop  for  herrings,  and  had  them  delivered  unto 
me,  I  did  dislike  some  of  them,  and  being  sent  to  the  barrel  alone  to 
change  some  of  them,  I  being  a  great  lover  of  them,  it  rose  in  me, 
what  a  brave  opportunity  I  had  to  slip  one  into  my  pocket,  for  myself. 
This  was  the  temptation.  On  the  other  hand  came  the  light,  reproving 
of  me  in  this  manner :  I  must  not  do  this  thing.  Why?  If  it  should 
be  known,  it  would  be  a  dishonour  to  my  name,  and  I  should  be  ashamed 
to  look  any  body  in  the  face.  And  if  it  were  not  known  to  men,  yet 
God  would  know  it,  and  he  would  punish  me,  if  I  sinned  against  him. 
Through  which  means  I  did  obey  that  which  did  reprove,  and 
touched  none  but  what  was  my  due.  And  I  went  home  rejoicing  with 
myself  in  this  manner.  How  happy  was  my  condition  now,  beyond 
what  it  had  been  if  I  had  disobeyed  the  reproof!  And  how  good  was 
the  Lord  to  me  in  calling  to  me,  when  I  was  tempted  to  do  that  evil! 
So  was  I  convinced  of  one  evil  one  day,  and  was  delivered  from  it; 
and  another  day  another  evil,  and  had  power  over  it;  and  I  had 
joy  and  peace  in  it." 

Rep. — And  yet  he  compares  this  blessed  light,  which  hath  done  all  this 
good  for  him,  to  the  Egyptians,  (which  grievously  and  wickedly  oppress- 
ed and  afflicted  the  children  of  Israel,  On  whom  the  Lord  sent  his  plagues, 
because  of  their  cruelty,  which  they  exercised  upon  his  people,)  as  may 
be  seen  in  page  18;  and  yet  confesseth,  he  had  joy  and  peace,  and  comfort, 
and  quietness  of  spirit  under  these  task  masters,  which  the  poor  Israelites 
had  not,  but  cried  to  the  Lord,  as  may  be  read  ;*  and  so  no  fit,  but  a 
wicked  and  unrighteous  comparison,  which  the  Lord  will  one  day  judge 
him  for,  when  his  blind  eye  is  opened. 

And  again,  in  page  19.  "  Quest. — Do  I  despise  that  light,  knowledge 
or  conscience,  which  reproveth  man  for  sin  in  him,  and  judge  it  not  to 
be  obeyed? 

Answ. — No;  I  believe  it  is  the  duty  of  every  one  to  walk  in  the  com- 

*  Exod.  iii. 


380 


mandments  of  the  law  of  God,  and  to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  offence, 
according  as  it  is  written,  "  holding  faith  in  a  pure  conscience ;"  hoping 
to  he  found  in  the  same  myself. 

Quest. — For  what  end  do  I  desire  to  be  found  in  obedience  to  this 
light? 

Answ. — Because  it  is  my  duty  to  God ;  not  for  life,  but  from  a  princi- 
ple of  life,"  &c. 

And  William  Haworth  calls  the  same  light  the  deity,  in  his  epistle  to 
the  aforesaid  pamphlet,  and  saith,  "  it  is  the  spirit  maketh  known  sin 
when  it  cometh,  which  is  not  seen  before,  as  the  shining  of  the  sun 
through  a  crack,  into  a  dark  room." — page  6.  And  in  the  epistle  saith 
again,  "  it  is  the  light  of  nature." — Rom.  i. 

So  let  all  people,  who  have  any  understanding  or  skill,  to  judge  of  a 
tree  by  the  fruit,  take  good  notice  of  the  fruits  and  effects  of  this  tree, 
the  light  which  con  vine  eth  man  of  sin,  in  him ;  and  also  to  consider  the 
confusions  and  contradictions  of  these  blind  men,  who  one  while  call  it 
the  spirit,  and  the  deity,  (that  is,  the  godhead,)  and  saith,  it  maketh 
known  sin,  which  is  not  seen  before ;  and  saith,  "  it  is  my  duty  to  God 
to  obey  it,"  and  desires  to  obey  it  from  a  principle  of  life ;  and  "  how 
good  was  the  Lord  in  calling  to  me."  So  it  is  the  call  of  the  Lord, 
(when  tempted,)  to  forsake  evil,  and  delivers  from  it,  and  gives  power 
and  strength  to  do  that  which  is  good,  just,  and  right  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  men;  and  gives  peace,  and  joy,  and  comfort,  as  aforesaid. 

And  then  again  saith,  of  the  very  same  thing;  "  nay,  it  is  not  the  light 
of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  if  I  may  judge  of  the  tree  by  the  fruit.  But  it  is 
the  light  of  nature",  and  the  same  the  heathens  had  by  nature,  and  the 
Egyptian  task  masters,  and  bondage  of  Egypt." — page  18. 

So  now,  put  all  their  jumble  together,  and  you  will  read  their  blind 
mad  work  thus,  viz: 

"  It  is  not  the  light  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  that  convinceth  of  sin.  It 
is  the  spirit  that  maketh  known  sin  which  is  not  seen  before.  No,  it  is 
the  light  of  nature ;  the  heathens  had  it  by  nature ;  and  it  is  the  Egyp- 
tian task,  and  the  bondage  of  cruel  Pharaoh.  No,  but  it  is  the  godhead, 
that  the  barbarous  people  saw  by,  when  they  apprehended  Paul  to  be 
a  murderer,  when  the  viper  fastened  on  his  hand.*  Do  I  despise  this 
light  of  nature,  this  cruel  Pharaoh,  this  light  which  is  not  of  the  spirit  of 
Christ?  No.  For  what  end  do  I  desire  to  obey  this  Egyptian  task  master, 
this  light  of  nature,  this  spirit  which  is  not  of  Christ?  Because  it  is  my 
duty  to  God,  not  for  life,  but  from  a  principle  of  life.  Had  not  I  a  power 
over  sin,  and  deliverance  out  of  it,  and  strength  to  do  that  which  was 
good,  and  just,  and  right  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man,  and  joy,  and  peace, 

*  Acts  xxviii. 


381 


and  comfort,  and  quietness  of  spirit,  when  I  obeyed  this  Pharaoh,  this 
light  of  nature,  which  is  not  the  light  of  the  spirit  of  Christ?  Yes ;  I 
had  a  joy  and  peace  in  it;  and  it  was  the  call  of  the  Lord  to  me." 

So  compare  this  heap  of  confusion  with  the  state  of  Israel  in  Egypt, 
and  see  what  joy,  and  peace,  and  comfort,  and  quietness  of  spirit  they 
had  there.,  which  this  lad  compares  the  pure  light  of  the  son  of  God  unto, 
who  knows  not  what  he  saith,  nor  whereof  he  affirms ;  of  which  more 
is  written  in  an  account  from  Hartford,  (where  he  dwells,)  concerning 
him,  which  I  would  have  the  reader  take  good  notice  of. 

And  in  that  he  saith,  "  the  light  by  which  the  heathens  did  the  things 
contained  in  the  law,*  (which  showed  the  works  of  the  law  written  in 
their  hearts,)  is  not  the  light  of  the  spirit  of  Christ ;"  he  is  found  a  de- 
nier of  the  scriptures  :f  For  if  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world  be 
lighted  with  the  light  of  Christ,  then  the  heathens,  and  all  other  men, 
were  lighted.  And  if  the  grace  of  God,  which  brings  salvation,  hath 
appeared  to  all  men,  then  it  appeared  to  the  heathens;  for  they  were 
men,  and  came  into  the  world.  And  herein,  W.  D.,  thou  contradictest 
thy  companion,  and  great  adorer  of  thee,  W.  H.,  who  calls  it  the  deity, 
(godhead,J  as  aforesaid,)  and  the  godhead  is  the  same  spirit,  or  life  and 
light,  which  was  in  Christ  Jesus,  as  it  is  written,  which  is  grace  and 
truth. 

So  then,  it  was  the  light,  spirit,  grace  and  truth,  which  was  in  Christ 
Jesus,  that  appeared  to  the  barbarous,  or  heathen  people,  by  his  con- 
fession. 

And  so  now,  let  this  tree  be  judged  of  by  its  fruits,  according  to  the 
young  man's  own  saying,  and  let  us  see  what  kind  of  fruits  it  bears,  for 
I  have  read,  that  "  men  do  not  gather  grapes  of  thorns,  nor  figs  of  this- 
tles;" and  that  "  a  good  tree  cannot  bring  forth  evil  fruit,  neither  can 
a  corrupt  tree  bring  forth  good  fruit."§  So,  by  this  true  rule,  let  all  who 
read  and  taste  of  these  fruits,  judge  of  this  tree,  the  light. 

First,  It  assented  to  the  words  of  Christ  and  his  apostles. — page  7. 

Secondly,  It  convinced  him  of  sin,  and  reproved  him,  and  called  to  him 
when  he  was  going  or  thinking  to  steal;  and  it  kept  him  from  obeying 
that  temptation  about  the  herrings,  though  he  loved  them,  and  had 
brave  opportunity  to  steal  or  slip  one  into  his  pocket. 

Thirdly,  It  caused  him  to  be  of  few  words,  and  kept  him  from  lying, 
or  telling  of  lies. 

Fourthly,  It  delivered  him  from  sinning  outwardly,  and  from  doing 
any  wrong  to  his  neighbour. 

Fifthly,  It  gave  him  strength  or  power,  to  do  that  which  was  good, 
just,  and  right  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man. 

*  Rom.  ii.  f  John  i.  9.  and  Tit.  ii.  *  Col.  ii.  2.  John  i.  16,  17.  $  Matt, 
vii.  Luke  vi.  4.3,  44. 


382 


Sixthly,  It  convinced  him  of  one  sin  or  evil  one  day,  and  delivered 
him  from  it;  and  another  day  another  evil,  and  he  had  power  over  it. 

Seventhly,  He  had  joy,  peace,  quietness  of  spirit,  comfort  and  obe- 
dience to  it. 

Reply. — Now  whence,  or  from  what  kind  of  tree  come  these  blessed 
fruits  and  effects,  if  not  from  the  tree  of  life  ?  Or  who  is  the  author  of,  or 
from  what  spirit  comes  this  light,  if  it  be  not  the  light  of  Christ  Jesus  ? 

Is  it  not  the  spirit  of  truth  thaf  convinceth  of  sin,  and  keeps  from 
lying,  and  stealing,  and  wronging  of  neighbours,  and  leads  into  all  truth, 
to  do  that  which  is  good  and  just  and  right  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man? 

And  was  not  that  their  comforter,  who  were  led  and  guided  by  it? 
Did  it  not  give  them  joy,  and  peace,  and  comfort,  when  they  were  obe- 
dient to  it  ?  Read  and  understand.  Or  who  gives  peace  to  his  people 
besides  him?* 

And  is  it  not  the  same  grace  of  God,  which  Paul  declared  of,  which 
taught  them  to  deny  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live  so- 
berly and  righteously?  Then  did  it  not  teach  them  to  deny  lying,  and 
stealing,  and  wronging  their  neighbours,  and  to  do  as  they  would  be 
done  by,  according  to  Christ's  doctrine?  Or  is  there  any  other  spirit  or 
light,  which  can  deliver  from  sin,  and  give  power  over  it,  but  what  is 
of  Christ  Jesus  ?  Is  it  not  written  of  him,  that  there  is  no  other  name 
under  heaven,  by  which  men  can  be  saved  or  delivered?  And  is  he  not 
called  the  deliverer  and  counsellor,  who  is  the  true  light,  that  "  lighteth 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world  ?"  Read  the  scriptures  and  con- 
sider these  things.-)* 

Is  it  not  the  light  of  Christ,  that  makes  sin  manifest?  And  doth  not 
the  apostle  say,  in  that  same  place,  "  the  fruit  of  the  spirit  is  in  all  good- 
ness, righteousness,  and  truth?"  So  judge  of  this  tree  by  its  fruits,  if  it 
be  not  all  goodness,  righteousness,  and  truth,  which  it  brings  forth. 

And  doth  not  W.  H.  say,  "  it  is  the  spirit  which  maketh  known  sin, 
which  is  not  seen  before?"  Mark!  Then  whensoever  any  one  seeth  sin, 
it  is  the  spirit  that  makes  it  known;  for  it  is  not  seen  before.  And  that 
it  was  the  godhead,  in  which  the  barbarous  people  saw,  &c.  Acts  xxviii. 
And  yet  how  enviously  he  clamours  against  the  Quakers,  in  his  confused, 
dark  mind,  callipg  their  spirit  delusion,  and  their  doctrine  antic hristian; 
like  the  foolish  clamorous  tongued  woman  Solomon  speaks  of,  whose 
"  feet  are  without,  pulling  down  her  own  house." 

How  do  you  think  your  Babel  will  now  stand,  when  ye  thus  throw 
up  and  pull  down  your  own  work,  and  revile  us  for  the  same  truth  you 
acknowledge  in  words;  like  the  hypocrites  of  old,  who  said,  they  had 
one  father,  even  God;  and  yet  called  Christ  Jesus  deceiver  and  blas- 

*  Tit.  ii.        f  Acts  iv.    Isa.  lix.    John  i.  9.    Ephes.  v.  8,  9. 


383 


phemer,  and  judged  him  worthy  of  death,  because  he  acknowledged 
himself  to  be  "  the  son  of  God,"  who  was  truly  so?* 

So,  read  your  spirit  and  way,  which  is  not  like  Christ  within  nor 
without,  though  thou  say  est  you  have  both;  but  the  contrary  appears 
in  thee.f  And  ye  are  more  like  the  mad  men,  who  cast  fire-brands, 
arrows  and  death  at  you  know  not  what ;  comparing  the  light  of  Christ 
to  Pharaoh  or  Egypt,  and  light  of  nature;  contemning  and  under- 
valuing  it,  as  if  it  were  not  of  God,  but  what  ye  know  not;  like  the 
Jews,  one  while  "a  good  man,"  and  then,  "nay,  but  he  deceiveth  the 
people."  So  you,  one  while,  it  is  the  deity;  and  then,  nay  it  is  not  the 
light  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  but  the  light  of  nature. 

Thus  are  you  confounded  about  that  which  delivers  from  sin  and 
temptations,  from  lying,  stealing,  and  doing  wrong,  and  keeps  out  of  evil, 
and  gives  power  over  it,  and  convinceth  of  sin,  and  reproveth  for  sin, 
and  which  gives  strength  to  do  that  which  is  good,  just,  and  right  in  the 
sight  of  God  and  man,  and  joy  and  peace  in  it. 

Take  heed  of  the  sin  against  the  holy  ghost;  for  it  is  near  when  that 
Which  casts  out  devils  is  called  beelzebub.  Your  reproaching  of  us,  is 
little  to  us ;  but  beware,  how  you  sport  yourselves  with  a  consuming 
fire;  and  be  you  warned  in  time  for  your  own  souls'  sake. 

And  consider  your  confusion  and  darkness,  whether  the  Lord  re- 
quireth  obedience,  service,  or  worship  of  christians,  to  any  other  light 
or  spirit  but  his  own ;  or  what  tree  or  plant  would  the  heavenly  Father 
have  to  grow,  but  what  is  of  his  own  planting,  as  it  is  written,  "  every 
plant,  which  my  heavenly  Father  hath  not  planted,  must  be  plucked  up." 

Doth  God  require  duty  to  him  in  that  which  he  will  pluck  up?  Is  it 
safe  to  desire  to  be  obedient  to  that?  How  blind  are  you,  not  to  know 
what  this  tree  is  by  its  good  fruits?  May  I  not  say  to  you,  as  the  man 
whose  eyes  Jesus  Christ  had  opened,  did  to  the  hypocrites  of  old, 
"  Why  herein  is  a  marvellous  thing,  that  ye  know  not  from  whence  he 
is,  and  yet  he  hath  opened  mine  eyes !"  and  yet  you  say  as  to  the  light, 
"  the  spirit  maketh  known  sin,  when  it  cometh,  which  is  not  seen  be- 
fore." So  then,  that  which  gives  the  sight  of  sin  at  any  time,  is  the  spirit, 
according  to  your  own  doctrine. 

Now,  how  happy  would  it  be  in  all  Christendom,  yea,  in  all  the  world, 
if  this  good  tree  did  grow  and  prosper  in  and  among  them  all,  which 
delivers  and  keeps  from  sinning  outwardly,  and  from  temptations,  from 
lying  and  stealing,  and  wronging  their  neighbours ;  and  which  gives 
strength  and  power  to  do  that  which  is  good,  and  just,  and  right  in  the 
sight  of  God  and  man ;  and  gives  peace,  and  joy,  and  quietness  of  spirit, 


John  xix.  7.  f  Prov.  xxvi. 


3S4 


and  comfort,  in  obedience  thereunto.  Consider  it  well,  and  see  if  it  be 
at  all  like  the  cruel  bondage  of  Egypt,  whither  this  young  man  went 
down  for  help  against  the  true  light  and  spirit  of  Christ,  which  makes 
known  sin,  and  reproves  it,  and  delivers  from  it;  but  it  hath  proved  a 
broken  reed  to  him:  "wo  be  to  them,"  saith  the  Lord,  "that  go  down 
to  Egypt  for  help."* 

Would  not  the  fruit  of  this  blessed  tree  heal  the  nations,  and  still  the 
raging  sea  of  folly  and  wickedness,  which  swells  and  abounds  among 
them?  What  a  blessed,  peaceable,  quiet,  just,  righteous  life  would 
they  all  live  in,  were  they  but  come  to  this  state,  not  to  wrong  one  an- 
other, nor  steal  one  from  another,  nor  lie  one  to  another.  Would  they 
not  then  speak  truth  every  man  to  his  neighbour,  as  the  Lord  requireth? 

Surely  that  which  keeps  from  sin  and  temptations,  lying  and  stealing, 
and  wronging  another,  would  keep  t\\em  from  killing  and  robbing  one 
another,  and  from  doing  any  violence  to  one  another,  or  persecuting 
one  another  about  religion;  for  here  they  would  be  of  one  heart,  mind, 
and  spirit,  sitting  down  in  joy,  and  peace,  and  comfort,  and  none  would 
make  them  afraid.  What  a  blessed  condition  would  this  be.  Let  all 
people  that  have  any  sense  judge.  And  how  amiable  and  desirable  is 
this  state  in  the  eyes  of  many  people. 

Would  not  these  blessed  promises  of  the  Lord  be  fulfilled?  "They 
shall  beat  their  swords  into  ploughshares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning 
hooks;  and  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither  shall 
they  learn  war  any  more."  "  And  they  shall  sit  every  one  under  his 
own  vine,  and  under  his  fig-tree,  and  none  shall  make  them  afraid?" 
Would  not  this  come  to  pass,  and  be  accomplished  this  way?  Let  the 
wise  in  heart  judge. 

Would  not  nations  rejoice,  and  be  glad  at  the  prosperity  of  this  bless- 
ed tree  ?  And  who  would  not  be  able  among  them  to  judge  whence 
this  tree  is,  by  those  blessed  fruits  it  bringeth  forth? 

For  surely,  that  which  will  keep  a  young  man,  or  an  old  man,  from 
stealing  the  value  of  a  herring,  will  keep  such,  whose  hearts  have  been 
long  exercised  with  covetous  practices,  from  stealing  a  cow,  or  a  horse, 
or  any  such  things,  or  from  wronging  their  honest  neighbours  any  more, 
as  they  have  done ;  and  it  will  teach  them,  if  they  obey  it,  to  do  what 
is  good,  right,  and  just  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man. 

How  would  the  very  root  of  wickedness  decay  and  wither  inwardly, 
if  all  were  ceased  from  outwardly.  Would  it  not  speak  barrenness,  if 
no  fruits  appeared  ?  Would  not  the  devil,  and  his  works,  and  his  king- 
dom, and  authority  soon  be  destroyed,  and  come  to  an  end  by  this 


*  Is.  xxxi.  1,  2.      |  Is.  ii.  }  Mic.  iv. 


365 


means  and  way  ?  Judge,  you  that  have  wisdom  to  count  the  number  of 
the  beast. 

And  who  now  is  appointed  to  do  this  great  work,  or  who  (or  what)  is 
able  to  accomplish  it,  but  Christ  Jesus,  the  true  light,  which  lighteth 
every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  as  it  is  written  of  him.*  "  For 
this  purpose  was  the  son  of  God  manifest,  that  he  might  destroy  the 
works  of  the  devil."f  Mark  that.  And  all  power  is  given  to  him ;  and 
there  is  no  other  name  under  heaven,  by  which  men  can  be  saved  or 
delivered  from  sin.J  For  he  is  the  deliverer,  which  comes  out  of  Sion, 
to  turn  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob.§  If  ye  have  ears,  hear,  and  read 
with  understanding. 

And  why  now  should  ye  thus  blame,  reproach,  and  grievously  slan- 
der and  envy  the  Quakers,  so  called,  for  vindicating  and  endeavour- 
ing the  prosperity  of  this  blessed  tree,  and  plant  of  righteousness,  whose 
fruit  would  heal  the  nations,  did  they  but  sit  under  it?  Were  they 
but  obedient  to  this  light,  how  would  it  keep  their  consciences  void  of 
offence  towards  God  and  man,  as  this  young  man  speaks  of  it,  hoping  to 
be  found  in  the  same  himself,  as  his  duty  to  God. — page  19. 

And  yet  he  said,  in  page  12,  "the  devil  had  two  cards  to  play,  which 
were  objections  against  the  doctrine  of  Christ's  making  satisfaction  for 
all  my  sins,  both  past,  present,  and  to  come." 

And  in  page  17 — "the  Lord  opened  mine  eyes,  and  showed  me  salva- 
tion by  a  person  wholly  without  me." 

And  page  18,  "  But  I  found  a  greater  joy  and  peace  when  I  saw  sal- 
vation by  the  righteousness  of  Christ  without  me,  being  a  more  complete 
and  sure  righteousness  than  that  wrought  in  me ;  being  hereby  deli- 
vered from  fear  of  miscarriages,  to  the  loss  of  my  salvation." 

And  W.  H.  saith,  "that  the  righteousness  of  faith,  by  which  we  are 
justified,  is  wholly  without  us;  and  that  the  Father  hath  poured  forth 
all  his  wrath  upon  his  son  Jesus  Christ." 

Now,  if  this  doctrine  were  true  and  sound  doctrine,  there  is  no  need 
to  fear  of  miscarriages:  for  there  is  no  wrath  left  to  punish  sinners,  if 
all  be  poured  forth  upon  Jesus  Christ ;  and  that  satisfaction  was  made 
sixteen  hundred  years  ago,  for  all  sins,  past,  present,  and  to  come. 
The  devil  might  play  what  cards  he  will  now,  if  this  be  true,  there  is 
no  need  to  fear  the  loss  of  salvation  through  miscarriages ;  and  that  was 
a  needless  doctrine  of  Christ,  to  bid  his  disciples,  "  watch  and  pray  lest 
they  enter  into  temptation  ;"||  and  of  the  apostle  Peter,  who  bade*, them 
"  give  all  diligence  to  make  their  calling  and  their  election  sure."1f 
If  these  men's  doctrine  be  true  and  sound,  when  will  that  time  come, 

•  John  i.  9.  f  1  John  iii.  8.  *  Acts  iv.  12.  §  Is.  lxix.  20.  Rom.  xi.  26. 
|  Matt.  xxvi.  41.         f  i  Pet.  i.  10. 

49 


386 


that  wicked  men  "  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine,"*  which  the  apostle 
said  they  would  not,  hut  would  "  heap  up  teachers  after  their  own  lusts, 
and  turn  their  ears  from  the  truth  ?" 

Who  among  all  the  ungodly  in  Christendom,  so  called,  would  turn  their 
ears  from  this  kind  of  doctrine  ?  O  ye  daubers  with  untempered  mortar, 
and  sowers  of  pillows  under  all  arm-holes !  The  Lord  is  against  you,  and 
he  will  break  down  your  wall,  and  rend  your  pillows  from  you,  as  in 
days  past  ;f  who  have  turned  away  your  ears  from  the  truth,  Christ  Je- 
sus, the  true  light,  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the 
world,  and  cause  the  people  to  err  by  your  lies,  and  by  your  lightness, 
like  your  brethren,  the  false  prophets  of  old. 

Was  there  ever  such  a  doctrine  preached  by  any  of  the  holy  men  of 
God,  as  this,  since  the  beginning  of  the  world?  Search  the  scriptures 
and  see,  which  you  call  your  rule,  wherever  they  preached,  that  the 
faith  that  justified  them,  and  their  salvation,  was  wrought  out  by  a 
righteousness  or  person  wholly  without  them,  as  you  do. 

Did  they  not  say,  their  faith  worked  by  love,  and  purified  their 
hearts ;  and  that  the  righteousness  of  the  law  was  fulfilled  in  them,J 
who  walked  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  spirit ;  and  that  the  anoint- 
ing was  in  them,  and  was  their  teacher;^  and  that  it  was  truth  and  no 
lie  I  And  is  not  Christ  the  truth,  who  lighteth  every  man  X  And  was  not 
he  their  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption?  And  much  more 
might  be  declared  of  their  testimony,  how  their  salvation  was  wrought 
out  with  fear  and  trembling ;  and  that  it  was  God  that  worked  in  them 
to  will  and  to  do  of  his  own  good  pleasure. 

And  yet  again  thou  W.  H.  sayest  in  thy  aforesaid  epistle,  viz:  "  Jesus 
Christ  is  amongst  us ;  we  eat  his  flesh,  and  drink  his  blood ;  he  dwelleth  in 
us,  and  we  in  him  ;  we  have  both  Christ  within  and  without ;  we  have  both 
word  and  spirit ;  and  so  we  have  the  better  of  them  that  divide  these/' 

Now,  if  Jesus  Christ  dwelleth  in  you,  as  you  say,  doth  not  the  saviour 
dwell  in  you  ?  And  if  you  eat  and  drink  his  flesh  and  blood,  is  it  not  then 
in  you  ? 

O  William  Ha  worth !  dost  thou  not  yet  see  thy  darkness,  thy  confu- 
sion, contradictions,  and  false  doctrine  1  Hath  thy  envy  so  far  blinded 
thee  to  cry  one  while, "  wholly  without  you ;"  and  then  again, "  he  dwell- 
eth in  you  V9  How  will  this  hold  together  in  the  day  of  thy  account, 
which  hasteneth  ? 

And  then  thou  sayest,  in  thy  epistle,  viz :  "  Our  own  righteousness  is 
within  us,  inhering  in  our  souls ;  it  consisteth  in  those  virtues  and  gifts 
that  the  spirit  of  God  works  in  our  minds :"  and  callest  it,  "  the  righte- 
ousness of  mere  man."  » 

*  2  Tim.  iv.  3,  4.  f  Ezek.  xiii.  *  Rom.  via.  4.  $  Acts  xv.  9. 


387 


So  then  the  gifts  and  virtues  the  spirit  of  God  works  in  our  minds,  is 
but  of  mere  man,  by  thy  account,  and  as  filthy  rags ;  for  so  said  the 
prophet  concerning  their  own  righteousness.*  Would  not  this  be  blas- 
phemy, to  call  the  gifts  and  virtues,  that  the  spirit  of  God  works  in  our 
minds,  filthy  rags  ?  Consider  it. 

And  would  not  this  be  madness  and  folly  for  Paul  to  say ;  "  I  count 
all  loss  and  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ,  and  that  I  may  be  found  in 
him ;  not  having  those  gifts  and  virtues  which  the  spirit  of  God  works 
in  my  mind  V  O  heap  of  confusion !  How  hath  thy  envy  and  pride 
blinded  and  befooled  thee. 

And  then  thou  sayest,  viz :  "  the  Quaker  goes  about  to  make  his  own 
righteousness — to  stand." — page  11. 

Yes,  and  blame  him  not,  if  it  consists  in  those  gifts  and  virtues  that 
the  spirit  of  God  works  in  his  mind,  as  thou  sayest  it  doth.  How  is  any 
one  a  true  christian  without  these? 

0  William  Haworth !  how  is  the  wise,  foolish  man  taken  in  his  own 
envy  and  craftiness  against  the  poor,  honest  Quaker.  The  Lord  hath 
found  thee  out,  and  rebuked  thy  madness,  thou  backsliding,  treache- 
rous man :  and  thou  art  even  proclaiming  thy  folly,  like  Jannes  and 
Jambres,  who  withstood  Moses,  which  is  now  made  manifest. 

And  be  it  known  to  thee  and  all  the  world,  that  the  Quaker  owns  no 
other  righteousness  to  be  justified  by,  but  the  righteousness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith  in  him,  according  to 
the  scriptures  of  truth ;  nor  any  other  name  under  heaven,  by  which 
men  can  be  saved,  whatever  any  of  you  dream  of  them ;  and  yet  they 
desire  those  gifts  and  virtues  the  spirit  of  God  works  in  their  minds  may 
stand  and  be  increased,  according  to  that  good  exhortation,  "  add  to 
your  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue  knowledge,  and  to  knowledge  temper- 
ance," &c.f  for  he  that  lacketh  these  things  is  blind,  &c. 

Had  not  Gamaliel  more  wisdom,  patience,  and  understanding  than 
thee  and  thy  companion  in  this  work,  who  said,  if  the  work  were  of 
God,  it  would  stand,  and  they  could  not  overthrow  it  ? 

And  you  call  the  work  of  God,  "  the  righteousness  of  mere  man ;" 
and  say,  "  it  is  rotten,  and  must  fall,"  as  in  the  last  page  of  your  book. 

WTio  is  anti-christ  now,  W.  H.,  the  Quaker  or  thee  1  Read  1  John  iv. 
2,  3,  4.  and  consider  your  Babel,  where  God  is  confounding  your  lan- 
guage, and  the  language  of  all  the  earth ;  whose  weapons  shall  not  pros- 
per against  his  truth  and  people,  but  he  will  condemn  every  tongue 
that  riseth  up  against  them,  as  he  hath  thine. 

And  Why  dost  thou  rail  the  Quakers'  spirit,  a  spirit  of  delusion;  and 
say,  their  doctrine  is  anti-chrisiian,  in  diametrical  opposition  to  the  doc- 

*  Isa.  lilt.  t>.  +2  Pet.  i.  5. 


ass 


trine  delivered  by  the  apostles  of  Jesus  Christ  (  Which  way  wilt  thou 
go  about  to  prove  this  false,  envious  charge  against  us  ?  Thou  canst 
never  prove  it  whilst  thou  livest,  but  it  shall  turn  upon  thy  own  slan- 
dering head ;  for  we  can  prove  our  doctrine  to  be  parallel  with  the  doc- 
trine of  the  apostles,  and  of  Christ  himself,  by  the  scriptures  of  truth. 
And  we  are  made  manifest  in  men's  consciences,  as  the  true  ministers 
of  the  gospel  were ;  and  we  witness  that  in  truth,  which  thou  hast  stole 
the  words  of :  for  we  do  eat  the  flesh  of  the  son  of  man,  and  drink  his 
blood,  &c.  which  didst  thou  really  witness,  thou  wouldst  have  fellow- 
ship with  us,  and  not  revile  and  belie  us,  as  thou  dost. 

But  whose  doctrine  is  yours  like,  think  you;  who  cry,  "  wholly  with- 
out," and  "  the  devil  had  cards  to  play  against  satisfaction  (from  wholly 
without)  for  all  your  sins  past,  present  and  to  come,  and  that  the  Father 
hath  poured  forth  all  his  wrath  upon  his  son  Jesus  Christ  V9  O  ye  blas- 
phemers I  who  blaspheme  God  and  his  tabernacle,  and  them  that  dwell 
in  heaven:  for  I  testify  for  God,  ye  call  his  true  and  faithful  witness  in 
you,  the  devil:  and  the  hour  is  coming  in  which  you  shall  feel  his  heavy 
strokes  for  these  things,  and  he  will  play  you  such  cards,  (as  you  call  them,) 
as  all  your  skill,  wit,  and  strength  will  not  be  able  to  prevail  against; 
and  then  your  false  hope,  joy,  and  peace  will  perish.  It  is  the  word  of 
the  Lord  God  unto  you  all,  who  deny  his  pure  light  wherewith  he  hath 
lighted  you,  and  call  his  gifts  and  virtues  but  of  mere  man. 

And  then  you  shall  know  there  is  wrath  left  enough  to  punish  the 
hypocrite,  liar,  and  slanderer;  and  that  "God  is  angry  with  the  wicked 
every  day."* 

And  thou  W.  H.  sayest,  "  The  Quakers  catch  many  simple  hearts, 
and  keep  them  in  perfect  popish  slavery  and  bondage,"  and  callest  them 
"  foxes  and  seducers,"  &c. 

Now,  consider  with  thyself,  and  see  how  thou,  in  thy  blind  envy, 
dost  rush  into  lying  and  slandering,  as  a  horse  into  the  battle,  not  fear- 
ing God  nor  regarding  man.  Art  thou  fit  to  be  a  teacher  of  others,  who 
canst  not  bridle  thy  own  tongue  ?  Who  will  give  thee  any  credit  in 
these  false  charges,  but  such  as  love  and  make  lies,  like  thyself? 

Dost  thou  know  certainly,  what  perfect  popish  slavery  and  bondage 
are  1  Consider  the  depth  of  thy  words  and  their  consequence,  if  thy 
charge  were  true  against  us.  O  W.  Ha  worth ;  what  hast  thou  done 
against  the  innocent  people  of  the  Lord !  My  soul  pities  thee,  and  I  can 
truly  say,  my  bowels  are  turned  for  thee,  that  a  place  of  repentance 
thou  mightest  find,  before  it  be  too  late. 

For  thou  hast  quite  marred  thy  cause  in  hand,  and  thy  end  the  Lord 
hath  frustrated,  and  will  (of  all  his  opposers)  more  and  more ;  and  by 
the  strength  of  envy  no  man  shall  prevail. 

*  Psalin  vii. 


389 


Will  not  millions  of  people  give  thee  the  lie,  if  they  should  read  or 
hear  these  words  of  thine,  and  abhor  thy  secret  slaying  the  innocent? 
How  darest  thou  so  confidently  assert  such  palpable  lies  and  slanders  in 
the  face  of  Christendom  I  The  papists  would  condemn  and  judge  thee 
to  be  an  envious  hypocrite,  should  these  lines  come  to  their  hands,  who 
are  as  opposite  to  us,  in  their  religious  ways  of  worship,  as  darkness  is  to 
light,  and  are  wholly  without,  (with  thee)  in  their  dark  imaginations. 
And  tins  shalt  thou  one  day  know,  though  at  present  thy  envy  and  pride 
have  blinded  thee. 

And  again,  sayest  thou,  "If  ever  Satan  was  transformed  into  an  angel 
of  light,  it  is  in  this  people;"  and  sayest,  "They  swarm  like  locusts,  and 
that  you  have  an  impudent  enemy  to  deal  withal,"  &c. 

O  William  !  how  came  the  Quakers  to  be  thus  contemptible  and  vile 
in  thine  eyes,  that  thou  canst  hardly  find  words  bad  enough  to  reproach 
them  with?  What  evil  have  they  ever  done  thee?  How  came  they 
to  be  thy  enemies,  (let  God's  witness  answer,)  except  for  telling  thee 
the  truth  ?  If  they  have  any  way  wronged  thee,  let  us  understand  it 
that  thou  mayest  be  righted,  and  never  foam  out  thy  own  shame  thus 
any  more,  like  the  restless,  troubled  sea,  to  the  view  of  the  nation. 

And  as  for  Satan's  being  transformed  into  an  angel  of  light  in  the 
Quakers ;  thou  art  as  much  mistaken  as  thy  brethren  were  that  called 
Christ  Jesus  Beelzebub;  for  it  is  "Christ  in  them  the  hope  of  glory," 
which  thou  hast  blasphemed  against,  who  is  the  "  true  light,  that  light- 
eth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,"  to  whom  all  the  angels 
must  bow. 

And  as  for  their  swarming,  which  thou  envyest,  it  is  not  like  locusts, 
(that  is  thy  mistake  also,)  but  as  the  stars  of  heaven  and  the  sand  by 
the  sea  shore  shall  the  seed  of  Abraham  be,  who  rejoiced  to  see  Christ's 
day,  the  true  light,  whom  thou  wouldst  have  reproached,  as  thou  hast 
us,  had  he  been  in  thy  days. 

Therefore,  repent  of  this  thy  wickedness,  and  cease  to  pervert  the 
right  way  of  the  Lord,  and  pray  God  the  thoughts  of  thy  heart  and  the 
words  of  thy  mouth  may  be  forgiven  thee ;  for  the  burden  thereof  will 
be  thy  own;  and  not  touch  us,  as  to  hurt  us;  for  we  feel  sufficient  ar- 
mour, in  the  light,  against  all  the  fiery,  raging  darts  of  the  wicked- 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  forever. 

Now  to  return  again  to  some  more  of  the  young  man's  words,  where 
he  speaks  of  "  another  light,  which  every  man  hath  not,  by  which  he 
saw  salvation  by  a  person  wholly  without  him,  whose  righteousness  being 
imputed  to  him." 

Is  this  like  scripture  language,  which  you  call  your  rule  7  See  more 
of  your  confusion  and  blindness.  Did  the  apoetles  of  Chris!  preach  of 
i  light  that  every  man  had  not.  by  winch  they  saw  their  salvation !  0 


390 


strange,  erroneous  doctrine !  quite  contrary  to  the  general  testimony  of 
all  the  holy  men  of  God  in  all  ages. 

Did  not  John,  the  greatest  of  all  the  prophets,  testify  that  it  was  the 
true  light,  that  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  that  all 
men  through  him  might  believe?*  And  do  you  not  yet  believe  his  tes- 
timony? If  you  say  you  do,  then  tell  us  what  that  other  light  is,  beside 
the  true  light,  that  it  may  be  known  distinctly,  according  to  plain  scrip- 
ture; for  I  never  read  of  such  a  light,  by  which  salvation  is  seen,  though 
I  have  known  the  holy  scriptures  from  a  child,  yet  of  this  kind  of  light 
I  am  ignorant;  but  I  have  read  of  the  grace  of  God,  that  brings  salva- 
tion, that  teacheth  the  saints ;  and  Paul  said,  "It  hath  appeared  to  all 
men  ;"f  and  he  is  as  large  as  John  in  his  testimony.  And  of  this  I  have 
some  true  knowledge,  with  many  more.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  forever 
and  ever. 

Now,  if  ye  are  not  able  to  give  us  an  account  of  this  light,  according 
to  plain  scripture,  which  every  man  hath  not  a  measure  of,  by  whicli 
salvation  is  seen  by  a  person  wholly  without  you,  we  shall  justly  judge 
it  to  be  a  mere  dark  and  vain  imagination  of  your  own  brains,  seeing 
the  scripture  saith,  "This  is  the  condemnation,  that  light  is  come  into 
the  world,"  &c.  And  the  wicked,  slothful  servant  was  not  condemned 
because  he  had  not  a  talent,  but  for  not  improving  it,  according  to  his 
master's  requiring.  But  if  all  men  are  not  lighted  with  the  true  light, 
then  some  men  have  no  true  light.  Then  why  should  such  be  condemn- 
ed, whb  are  so  miserably  deceived?  Is  this  equal?  But  if  all  men  are 
lighted  with  the  true  light,  as  I  believe,  then  by  your  doctrine  some 
have  two  lights,  another  light  beside  the  true  light ;  for  thou  sayest,  "It 
is  by  a  light  which  every  man  hath  not."  So  that  thou  maj^est  mean, 
it  is  a  greater  measure  of  the  true  light  than  every  man  hath ;  or  else 
it  is  another  sort  or  kind  of  light;  but  if  it  be  a  greater  measure  of  the 
true  light  thou  meanest,  then  it  alters  not  the  property,  kind,  and  na- 
ture ;  and  so  it  is  the  same  in  kind  which  every  man  hath  a  measure  of. 
But  if  it  be  of  another  kind  and  nature  than  the  true  light,  then  is  it 
properly  another  light.  And  so,  what  shall  we  call  this  thy  light,  but 
a  false  light,  or  a  divination  of  thy  dark  brain,  which  thou  mayest  see 
by  the  true  light  in  thee,  thy  own  and  W.  H.'s  confusion  and  blindness, 
which  is  just  from  the  Lord  upon  you  all  that  oppose  his  blessed  truth 
and  people. 

And  after  thy  confused  prayer  to  Christ  in  thee,  and  to  Christ  in  the 
heavens,  and  by  and  in  the  spirit,  as  thou  thoughtcst,  thou  sayest,  "  Se- 
veral weeks  was  1  in  this  trouble,  making  my  condition  known  to  no 


John  i.  9. 


f  Tit.  it. 


391 


one,  because  I  would  not  be  persuaded  to  any  thing,  but  did  wholly  rely 
upon  the  inward  instructions  of  the  Lord.    Thus  did  my  hope  perish." 

How  didst  thou  "wholly  rely  upon  the  inward  instructions  of  the 
Lord,"  when  thou  prayedst  in  that  confused  manner,  as  aforesaid?  Con- 
sider it. 

And  did  ever  any  wholly  rely  upon  the  inward  instructions  of  the 
Lord,  and  their  hope  perish?  Bring  one  example  for  this,  or  else  con- 
clude, thou  hast  blasphemed  against  the  Lord,  and  belied  him  and  his 
people  in  all  ages,  as  thou  hast. 

And  thou  sayest,  thou  hadst  "  peace  of  conscience  by  the  powerful 
work  of  God  without  thee." — page  19, 

Is  this  like  scripture  language?  Surely  thou  hast  got  a  peace,  and 
out  of  thy  trouble,  the  wrong  way,  if  it  be  so;  and  into  much  more  trou- 
ble must  thou  come  than  ever,  before  thou  canst  have  true  peace  with 
God.    The  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

.  For  thy  flight  was  in  the  winter,  as  I  told  thee,  and  thou  hast  fled 
the  cross,  and  slipped  thy  neck  from  under  the  yoke  of  Christ  Jesus,  which 
W.  H.  calls  "  the  burdensome  yoke,"  which  is  so  indeed  to  all  the  re- 
bellious, whose  tongues  are  at  liberty  to  lie  and  slander,  as  he  hath  done. 

But  did  not  the  saints  and  people  of  God  in  all  ages,  witness  their 
salvation  and  peace  of  conscience,  by  the  powerful  work  of  God  within 
them  ?  Did  not  God  work  in  them,  when  their  salvation  was  wrought 
out  with  fear  and  trembling  ?  And  did  they  not  say,  "  God,  who  com- 
manded the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to 
give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of 
Jesus  Christ.  And  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels  f  *  Of  which 
much  more  might  be  spoken. 

We  deny  not  the  work  of  God  and  Christ  without,  as  some  have  ima- 
gined, but  do  also  know  as  our  brethren  did,  that  no  man  knows  the 
things  and  works  of  God,  which  are  spiritually  discerned,  but  by  the 
spirit  of  God;  and  it  is  the  same  spirit  that  raised  up  Jesus  from  the 
dead,  that  dwells  in  his  people,  which  quickens  their  mortal  bodies. 

And  they  never  cried  up  "wholly  without,"  as  you  do,  but  preached 
u  Christ  in  them,"f  after  they  had  testified  of  his  appearance  and  work 
without,  as  you  may  read. 

And  Christ  Jesus  preached  the  kingdom  of  heaven  within  people  :J 
and  the  true  worship  of  the  Father  is  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth.§ 
And  said,  "  what  if  ye  shall  see  the  son  of  man  ascend  up  where  he  was 
before?  It  is  the  spirit  that  quickeneth,  the  flesh  that  profits  nothing;" 
when  they  cried,  "  How  can  this  man  give  us  his  flesh  to  eat  'V  Whose 

•  2  Cor.  iv.  6,  7.  |  Rom.  viii.  9, 10, 11, 12,  13,  14,  15,  16.         \  Luke  xvii 

20.      §  John  iv. 


392 


minds  were  wholly  without,  like  many  of  you.*  And  said  Peter, "  We 
have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy,  to  which  ye  do  well  to  take 
heed,  as  unto  a  light  that  shines  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn, 
and  the  day  star  arise  in  your  hearts."!  And  Jesus  is  "  the  bright  and 
morning  star,"  as  ye  may  read.J  And  Jesus  Christ  bid  people  "  believe 
in  the  light,  that  they  might  become  the  children  of  the  light,"  and  so  do 
we.§  And  he  said,  "  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  spirit 
saith  unto  the  churches."  And  the  same  Jesus  said,  "  He  that  eateth 
my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life."||  And  said  the 
apostle,  "  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light,  then  have  we 
fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  son 
cleanseth  us  from  all  sin." 

So  they  were  to  drink  his  blood ;  and  that  was  it  by  which  they  were 
cleansed  from  sin,  and  had  eternal  life ;  and  if  they  drank  it,  was  it  not 
then  within  them  ?T[  Read,  and  understand ;  for  people  have  drunk  ini- 
quity as  an  ox  drinks  water,  which  hath  defiled  them  as  Christ  Jesus 
sa  id.**  "  For,  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  of  man  proceed  evil  thoughts, 
adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  covetousness,  wickedness,  deceit,  lasci- 
viousness,  an  evil  eye,  blasphemy,  pride,  foolishness;  all  these  evil  things 
come  from  within,  and  defile  the  man." 

Now,  must  not  these  evil  things  be  purged  out,  according  .to  that 
saying  of  Paul  Iff  "  If  a  man  purge  himself  from  these,  he  shall  be  a 
vessel  unto  honour,  sanctified  and  meet  for  the  master's  use,  and  pre- 
pared unto  every  good  work  V9  Is  any  one  fit  for  the  master's  use,  but 
who  is  purged  and  sanctified,  as  aforesaid,  or  prepared  to  every  good 
work,  till  the  evil  works  are  laid  aside,  purged  out,  and  forsaken  ?{J 
Or,  can  people  serve  both  these  masters  I  For,  "  He  that  commits  sin, 
is  the  servant  of  sin,"  as  it  is  written.§§ 

Now,  how  or  by  what  must  these  evil  things,  which  defile  people,  be 
purged  out,  seeing  they  are  within  them  1  Must  not  the  antidote  be 
taken  inwardly,  to  expel  the  poison,  that  works,  within  to  the  corrupting 
and  endangering  the  ruin  of  the  body  1  What  is  it  then  must  cleanse 
the  inward  man  of  corruption  and  defilement,  but  the  precious  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  spot  and  blemish  ?||||  Did  not  that  re- 
deem people  formerly  from  their  vain  conversations  ?1fTF  And  did  they 
not  drink  it,  and  bless  the  Lord,  and  called  it,  "  The  cup  of  blessing?" 
But  this  is  a  mystery  hid  from  the  fleshly  birth,  (all  that  are  in  the  dark 
imaginations  of  their  own  brains,)  as  the  spiritual  birth  was  hid  from 
Nicodemus,  who  came  by  night.*** 

•  John  vi.      f  2  Pet.  i.  19.       *  Rev.  xxii.  16.       §  John  vi.  62.      \  1  John  i.  7. 
1  Matt.  xv.  18,  19.       *•  Mark  vii.  21,  22,  23.      f|  2  Tim.  ii.  21.     H  John  viii.  34. 
1  John  iii.  8.  |R  1  Pet.  i.  18, 19.  M  Rev.  V.  9,  10.  2  Cor.  vi. 


393 


And  did  not  God  say,  u  I  will  dwell  in  them  and  walk  in  them,"  &c? 
And  does  not  the  scripture  say,  M  By  mercy  and  truth,  iniquity  is  purg- 
ed?" And  did  not  the  son  of  God,  (the  truth  and  the  light  of  the  world.) 
walk  in  the  midst  of  the  golden  candlesticks ;  and  did  he  not  say,  "  He 
that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  spirit  saith  to  the  churches  V* 
And  is  not  God  a  spirit,  and  his  worship  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  truth  ? 
And  is  not  the  spirit  within?  And  the  truth  required  in  the  inward  parts  ? 
And  is  not  God  light  ? 

Read  and  understand,  you  that  cry,  "  wholly  without  \  ou  f  you  that 
clamour  against  the  light  and  work  of  God  within:  for  we  confess  Jesus 
Christ  to  be  come  i?i  thcjlesh.  as  it  is  written,  1  John  4,  &.c.  And  so  we 
are  not  of  anti-christ.  as  William  Haworth  doth  falsely  charge  us  in  his 
epistle  to  that  pamphlet  aforesaid,  entitled  "  The  Quaker  converted 
which  is  a  lie,  uttered  in  the  very  opening  of  his  mouth  against  us;  for 
which  the  Lord  will  plead  with  him.  For  the  young  man,  whom  he  hath 
thus  vainly  boasted  of,  was  no  Quaker,  as  I  have  before  showed  to  any 
unprejudiced  eye,  and  by  his  own  confession,  but  a  poor  tossed,  unstable, 
bewildered  lad,  as  may  be  seen,  who  went  to  prove  religions  with  he 
knew  not  what,  as  in  the  3d  page  of  his  book  may  be  read ;  and  so  was 
not  such  a  perfect  Quaker  as  W.  H.  hath  said ;  but  stumbled  at  the 
very  door  and  way  by  which  the  Quakers  came  to  know  God,  and  Jesus 
Christ,  whom  he  hath  sent,  (which  is  life  eternal,)  as  I  have  before 
showed.f 

And  so  William  Haworth's  great  joy,  refreshment  and  boast  of  the 
■?  Quaker  converted,"  is  founded  upon  a  lie,  winch  is  of  the  devil,  the 
father  of  lies,  which  he  hath  made  hi-  refuge  and  bulwark  against  the 
truth,  and  them  that  walk  in  it ;  and  that  he  might  privily  shoot  his 
arrows  at  the  upright  in  heart,  the  children  of  light,  whom  he  calls 
"  seducers,"  "  anti-christian,"  and  in  whom  f  satan  is  transformed  into  an 
angel  of  light,"  with  many  other  envious,  railing  speeches,  for  which 
the  Lord  will  judge  him. 

But  the  children  of  light  are  out  of  his  reach,  and  of  all  such  whor 
in  their  dark  envy  and  vain  imaginations,  seek  to  devDur  them ;  and  as 
thev  abide  in  the  truth,  they  are  in  that  the  devil  is  out  of,  and  he  hath 
no  power  over  them ;  and  they  are  armed  with  the  whole  armour  of 
light,  against  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.  Everlasting  praises  be 
to  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the  lamb  for  ever,  who  is  get- 
ting the  victory  over  the  beast  and  his  ima  i  .  the  dragon  and  his  floods, 
the  whore  and  faUe  prophet. 

And  great  Babylon  is  sinking  like  a  mill  stone,  whose  harper's  voice 
-hall  be  heard  no  more  at  all:  and  the  \oice  of  her  (grinding)  mill  Mall 
be  heard  no  more  at  all.    Glory  in  the  highest; 

•  Prov.  xvi.  f  J°hn  xv"-  «• 


391 


The  day  is  come,  in  which  no  man  will  buy  her  ware  any  more;  her 
merchants  are  howling,  and  gnawing  their  tongues  for  pain;  for  strong 
is  the  Lord  that  judgeth  her. 

And  God  is  confounding  this  great  city,  and  setting  up  his  holy  city 
upon  a  hill,  which  cannot  be  hid ;  whose  light  is  like  a  jasper,  clear  as 
crystal.  And  without  are  dogs,  and  all  liars,  and  whatsoever  worketh 
abomination  and  maketh  a  lie.  And  her  true  light  is  shining,  and  the 
glory  of  God  is  arising  more  and  more,  which  shall  shake  terribly  the 
earth,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof,  amongst  whom  the  devil  is  come 
down  in  great  rage,  knowing  he  hath  but  a  short  time. 

Rejoice  yc  children  of  the  Lord,  and  lift  up  your  heads  all  ye  upright 
in  heart.  Rejoice  ye  heavens,  and  ye  that  dwell  in  the  heavenly  places 
in  Christ  Jesus,  and  praise  your  God  for  ever,  whose  power  is  com*e, 
whose  glory  shines,  whose  dominion  is  witnessed  over  death  and  hell,  and 
the  gates  of  it;  whose  dreadful  presence  is  now  again  known,  which  the 
worker  of  iniquity  cannot  endure.  The  eye-lids  of  the  morning  are 
unto  them  as  the  shadow  of  death:  "every  one  that  doeth  evil,  hates 
the  light,  neither  cometh  to  it,  lest  their  deeds  should  be  reproved." 

This  is  the  ground  of  their  vexation  and  rage  against  the  pure  ap- 
pearance of  the  Lord.  But  arise,  O  God!  more  and  more,  and  let  the 
sea  roar,  and  the  waters  be  troubled :  bring  forth  thy  glorious  work 
already  begun  in  the  earth ;  and  rend  thou  the  vail  of  thick  darkness 
from  top  to  bottom,  which  is  yet  spread  over  people  and  nations  that 
the  graves  may  be  opened,  and  the  dead  may  hear  thy  voice,  and  arise, 
and  come  forth  to  judgment.  Let  thy  dread  fall  upon  the  heathen  round 
about,  to  awaken  them ;  and  exalt  thy  everlasting  truth  and  name  over 
alLthe  powers  of  darkness,  that  many  may  be  gathered  into  thy  hea- 
venly kingdom  of  righteousness  and  peace,  that  the  poor  among  men 
may  rejoice,  and  the  meek  increase  their  joy  in  thee,  who  art  the 
strength  of  thy  people  in  all  ages,  who  never  failed  them  that  put  their 
whole  trust  in  thee.  To  whom  be  everlasting  praises,  glory  and  thanks- 
giving, from  all  that  know  thy  name,  God  over  all  heaven  and  earth, 
blessed  for  ever  a,nd  ever,  hallelujah. 

And  now  William  Ha  worth,  I  would  put  thee  in  remembrance  once 
more,  to  consider  tin's  thy  work,  and  the  ground  of  thy  rage  against  the 
Lord  and  his  innocent  people ;  and  what  the  effects  and  end  thereof 
will  be ;  and  recollect  in  thy  mind,  and  ponder  thy  false  charges,  and 
the  things  which  thou  hast  written  against  them  in  that  pamphlet,  and 
see  if  thou  canst  stand  by  them,  when  examined  to  thy  face,  which 
thou  hast  published  to  the  view  of  many  people.  And  let  the  witness 
of  God  arise  in  thee,  and  answer;  for  it  is  of  the  deity  by  which  thou 
sayest  the  barbarous  people  saw  that  vengeance  was  due  on  murderers: 
and  see  if  it  will  not  be  Ihy  own  portion,  who  art  found  a  hater  of  thy 


brother,  (as  Cain  did  Abel,)  without  just  cause:  "For  he  that  hateth 
his  brother,  is  a  murderer;  and  we  know,  that  no  murderer  hath  eter- 
nal life  abiding  in  him."* 

Therefore,  consider  it,  and  see  if  thy  fruits  do  agree  with  thy  profes- 
sion, (for  the  tree  is  known  and  judged  by  the  fruits  it  brings  forth,)  who 
sayest,  you  "  eat  Christ's  flesh,  and  drink  his  blood,  and  that  he  dwelleth 
in  you,  and  you  in  him ;"  too  high  words  for  a  liar,  and  slanderer,  and 
murderer ;  for  such  as  eat  his  flesh  and  drink  his  blood,  have  eternal 
life  ;f  which  the  hater  of  his  brother  hath  not,  nor  the  liar  and  railer 
hath  not  any  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  God  and  of  Christ,  both  which 
thou  art  manifested  to  be,  as  by  thy  fruits  hath  appeared. 

And  so,  thy  saying  Christ  dwells  in  you,  and  you  in  him,  will  not  save 
thee  from  the  liar's  portion,  which  is  the  lake  of  torment,  which  is  al- 
ready begun  in  thee,  and  the  smoke  thereof  ascends  in  this  thy  foaming 
out  thy  own  shame  against  an  innocent  people,  for  which  the  Lord  doth 
judge  thee;  and  it  will  ascend  forever,  if  thou  repent  not  speedily,  who 
art  so  hardened  as  to  say,  thou  "testhiest  in  the  Lord,  that  the  Quakers' 
spirit  is  a  spirit  of  delusion,  and  that  their  doctrine  is  anti-christian;" 
and  callest  them  "seducers,"  and  other  reproachful  names;  and  that 
"thou  hast  many  ten  thousands  that  are  ready  to  testify  the  same  with 
thee."  But  ihij  Lord  thou  hast  manifested,  (whose  name  thou  art  in,) 
to  be  the  liar  and  murderer  from  the  beginning,  which  ruleth  in  thee, 
as  by  thy  fruits  is  evident.  And  we  do  judge  of  a  tree  by  its  fruits,  as 
the  young  man  also  said,  whom  thou  sayest  is  a  "Quaker  converted  to 
Christianity:"  as  if  the  Quakers  are  no  christians;  showing  thy  envy 
against  them,  and  thy  ignorance,  or  wilful  blindness  concerning  the 
scriptures  of  truth,  in  which  may  be  seen  plentifully,  that  God's  people 
whom  he  hath  had  regard  unto  above  all  people,  in  all  ages,  were  such 
as  trembled  at  his  word,  as  in  Isa.  lxvi.  And  Moses  was  a  leading 
Quaker :J  and  Ezekiel  was  a  Quaker;  and  Daniel,§  a  man  greatly  be- 
loved, was  a  trembler :||  and  Paul  preached  in«much  trembling,"!!  and  in 
the  demonstration  of  the  spirit  and  of  power;  and  the  same  apostle 
bid  the  true,  obedient  christians,  to  "  work  out  their  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling  ;**  and  exhorted  servants  to  obey  their  masters  with  fear 
and  trembling,  ff  And  the  true  christians  received  Titus  with  fear  and 
trembling ;JJ  and  much  more  might  be  mentioned  of  them. 

Therefore,  let  not  thy  envy  blind  thee  any  longer,  nor  go  about  to 
shut  up  the  way  to  th£  kingdom  of  heaven  against  people,  as  thou  hast 
done,  though  the  entrance  thereof  thou  knowest  not,  who  art  found 
without,  among  the  biters  at  the  heels  of  the  true  woman,  the  king's 
daughter,  whose  glory  is  within.§§ 

*  1  John  Hi.  15.  and  chap.  ii.  vers.  11.  f  John  vi.  54.    1  Cor.  vi.  9,  10. 

*  Hebr.  12.  §  Ezek.xii.  18.  ||  Dan.  chap.  10,11, 12.         1  1  Cor.  ii.  3. 

Phil.  ii.  12.       ff  Ephes.  vi.  5.       \\  2  Cor.  vii.  15.       %%  Psal,  xlv.  IS, 


39C 


And  as  for  thy  many  ten  thousands  thou  boastest  of,  we  know  them; 
for,  "every  one  that  doth  evil,  hates  the  light,"  &c.  which  are  very 
many.  And  so,  every  evil-doer  is  on  thy  side,  and  is  one  with  thee,  as 
thou  hast  said.  And  so,  the  unclean  spirits  may  now  cry,  as  formerly, 
"Our  name  is  legion,  for  we  are  many." 

But  remember  thou  that  true  saying  of  old,  viz:  that  "Though  the 
wicked  join  hand  in  hand,  yet  shall  they  not  go  unpunished;  but  the 
seed  of  the  righteous  shall  be  delivered." 

And  now  try  thy  own  spirit  and  thy  fruits  by  the  scriptures,  which 
many  of  you  call  the  touch-stone,  who  saith,  "  Christ  dwells  in  you,  and 
you  in  him ;  and  that  you  eat  his  flesh,  and  drink  his  blood." 

For  it  is  written,  "If  Christ  be  in  you,  the  body  is  dead  because  of 
sin."*  And  "  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  creature ;  old  things 
are  passed  away,  all  things  are  become  new."f 

Is  thy  body  dead?  Are  not  lying,  and  slandering,  and  envy,  and  false 
accusing,  sin  1  Arc  not  these  sins  alive  in  thee,  in  thy  body  ?  Let  all 
that  know  thee  judge.  Art  thou  a  new  creature  ?  Let  them  judge  if 
all  old  things  be  passed  away  in  thee?  And  did  not  the  blood  of  Christ 
cleanse  them,  that  drank  it,  from  all  sin? J  Dost  thou  witness  the  same 
effect  thereof,  as  they  did  who  walked  in  the  light  ?§  Dost  thou  witness 
it  to  cleanse  thee  from  all  sin;  who  art  in  thy  dark  confusion,  blasphemy 
and  false  doctrine,  belying  and  reviling  God  and  his  people,  saying,  "he 
hath  poured  forth  all  his  wrath  upon  his  son  Jesus  Christ?" 

What  kind  of  Christianity  is  it,  that  thou  art  endeavouring  to  convert 
people  to?  Where  is  one  scripture  that  will  bear  thee  out  in  this  say- 
ing of  thine  1  Though  thou  hast  quoted  Is.  L  that  will  not  do  it,  nor 
will  all  the  coverings  thou  canst  make  hide  thee  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
which  will  overtake  thee  speedily;  and  then  thou  shalt  know,  that  there 
is  some  left  for  thee  and  all  liars  and  evil  speakers;  and  that  the 
Quakers  are  no  seducers,  as  thou  hast  belied  them.  But  such  are 
seducers,  as  draw  people  /rom  the  anointing  in  them,  which  is  the  truth, 
as  may  be  read ;||  and  not  they  that  turn  people  from  darkness  to  light,1[ 
the  anointing  in  them,  whom  thou  hast  wickedly  reproached,  as  the 
righteous  God  is  witness  for  us,  (and  against  thee,  whose  innocent  cause 
he  will  assuredly  plead  with  thee,  and  all  that  oppose  them;  and  no 
weapon  formed  against  his  blessed  truth  and  people,  shall  ever  pros- 
per: the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  hath  spoken  it. 

This  is  written  by  a  labourer  in  the  Lord's  harvest,  in  true  love  to 
his  blessed  truth  and  people;  and  to  the  souls  of  all  people  I  am  a  friend, 
bearing  testimony  against  the  works  of  the  world,  that  are  evil.  And 
I  have  learned  to  forgive  enemies ;  and  yet  can  truly  say,  in  this  con- 

*  Prov.  xi.  21.  f  Rom.  viii.  *  2  Cor.  v.  17.  §  1  John  17.  HI  John  ii.  26, 27. 
U  Acts  xxvi.  18. 


397 


cern,  in  the  behalf  of  the  Lord  and  his  holy  name,  "  the  reproaches  of 
ihem  that  reproached  thee,  fell  on  me." 

William  Bayly. 

Southward  the  \lth  of  the  \\th  month,  1673. 

■  ■uttQQflfm— 

To  a  people  much  given  to  drunkenness  and  swearing,  fyc.  Being 
the  copy  of  a  paper  written  and  given  forth  at  Polch  Ground, 
within  the  haven  of  Long  Sound,  in  Norway,  in  the  king  of  Den- 
mark's  dominion,  t he  20 1 h  of  the  Fifth  month,  167 4.  By  William 
Bayly. 

A  visitation  and  warning  from  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  and  earth, 
unto  all  you  drunkards,  who  are  strong  to  drink  strong  drink,  and  who 
<lrink  till  ye  are  inflamed  therewith,  and  your  tongues  utter  folly  and 
perverscness ;  glutting  yourselves  with  the  good  creatures  of  God,  and 
abusing  them  which  are  given  to  be  received  in  his  fear  with  thankful- 
ness, and  to  be  used  in  his  wisdom ;  and  in  moderation,  to  his  glory;  for 
which  end  all  things  were  made  and  created ;  and  not  to  be  consumed 
and  wasted  upon  your  excessive  lusts,  to  the  dishonour  of  God  and  the 
name  of  Christianity,  and  to  the  grieving  his  pure  spirit,  his  witness 
in  you,  which  you  make  merry  over,  and  trample  under  foot  the  pearl 
of  great  price,  worse  than  the  swine  and  beasts  that  perish,  whilst  many 
of  your  poor  fellow  creatures  are  ready  to  starve  and  perish  for  want 
Do  ye  think  or  believe  there  is  no  just  God,  who  will  reward  every  one 
according  to  his  deeds  done  in  his  body,  or  that  ye  shall  not  be  called  to 
an  account  for  these  things?  How  dare  you  take  his  holy  name  in  your 
mouths,  and  profess  yourselves  to  be  christians,  who  are  so  rilled  with 
wickedness,  &c.  as  oaths,  lying,  drunkenness,  sottishness,  pride,  and 
vanity ;  exceeding  the  Turks,  infidels,  and  heathens  in  your  abomina- 
tions, who  will  rise  up  in  judgment  against  you  in  the  day  of  your  account? 

Wo  unto  the  drunkards  of  England,  Holland,  Norway,  Sweedland 
and  Denmark,  saith  the  Lord  God,  who  beholds  your  sottishness,  bru- 
tishness,  deceit,  and  abominations ;  who  have  greatly  abused  his  tender 
mercies,  and  make  a  wrong  use  of  his  long-suffering  and  kindness  towards 
you  by  these  your  doings.  And  ye  have  no  cloak  for  your  sins;  but  con- 
demnation is  your  portion,  and  wo  and  misery  will  be  your  end  for  ever, 
without  speedy  repentance. 

What  lamentation  shall  I  take  up  for  you,  O  ye  rebellious  and  stiff 
necked  people,  who  live  in  fulness,  pride,  and  abundance  of  idleness! 
The  sins  of  Sodom,  (whom  God  destroyed,)  do  even  cry  against  you,  as 
Isaiah  did  against  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim,  <;  wo  to  the  crown  of 


398 


pride,*  to  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim ;  they  shall  be  trodden  under  foot, 
even  the  crown  and  pride  of  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim.  Ye  have  erred 
because  of  wine,  and  are  out  of  the  way  because  of  strong  drink.  The 
priest  and  the  prophet  have  erred  because  of  strong  drink;  they  are 
swallowed  up  with  wine;  they  have  gone  astray  through  strong  drink; 
they  fail  in  vision;  they  slumber  in  judgment;  for  all  their  tables  are 
full  of  filthy  vomitings;  no  place  is  clean."  Thus  did  that  holy  man  of 
God  declare  against  their  sottishness, drunkenness,  pride,  excess,  and  un- 
cleanness,  as  moved  of  the  Lord,  by  his  holy  spirit,  in  his  day ;  and  thus 
am  I  moved  of  the  God  of  heaven  at  this  time  to  declare  against  you, 
and  to  warn  you  all,  both  priests,  rulers  and  people,  in  whom  the  same 
beastial  life  and  ungodly  practices  are  found.  Ye  are  an  evil  example 
in  your  generation,  and  you  grieve  God's  spirit,  and  cumber  his  ground 
worse  than  the  fruitless  fig-tree ;  and  a  stink  you  will  be  to  posterity, 
and  your  memorial  will  be  an  abhorrence  through  ages  to  the  upright 
in  heart,  and  your  end  will  be  everlasting  destruction  and  misery,  if  ye 
repent  not  speedily.    The  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

And  now  unto  all  you  that  have  any  tenderness  of  heart  or  conscience,* 
either  male  or  female,  or  any  fear  of  God  in  you,  and  are  grieved  at  the 
abominations  that  you  daily  hear  and  see  amongst  your  families  or  neigh- 
bours, in  what  country  or  nation  soever  you  are;  this  is  the  counsel  of 
the  Lord  unto  you,  stand  still,  be  still  and  low  in  your  minds,  and  in- 
cline your  heart  and  ear  to  that  which  you  feel  grieved  in  you ;  for  it  is 
the  seed  that  God  loveth,  that  is  oppressed  and  burdened  with  the  filthy 
conversation  of  the  wicked ;  it  is  pure,  and  clean,  and  holy ;  defilement 
grieves  and  burdens  it,  as  Lot  in  Sodom. 

Therefore,  in  patience  wait,  in  pure  hunger  and  thirst  after  righte- 
ousness, in  the  fear  of  God,  low  and  tender,  and  in  due  time  deliverance 
will  come  to  his  chosen.  Therefore,  faint  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,  thy 
helper  is  near  thee.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  theirs  is  the  heaven- 
ly kingdom  of  everlasting  rest,  peace,  and  comfort. 

So,  believe  in  the  true  light,  which  manifesteth  and  reproveth  sin 
and  evil,  and  obey  it,  that  thou  mayest  become  a  child  of  light,  as 
Christ  said,  an  heir  of  light  and  life,  of  the  promises  which  are  all  in 
Christ  Jesus,  the  true  "light  of  the  world,  which  lighteth  every  one 
that  cometh  into  the  world ;"  and  so  will  the  darkness  vanish  away, 
and  thy  bondage,  and  thy  soul  be  freed  from  the  thraldom  of  the  power 
of  satan,  and  then  thou  wilt  praise  the  God  of  thy  salvation,  in  the 
land  of  the  living.    Therefore,  consult  not,  reason  not,  with  flesh  and 


*  Isa.  20. 


.300 


blood,  which  must  never  enter  God's  kingdom;  neither  be  discouraged 
at  hardships  and  trials — look  not  out  at  any  visible  things,  but  to  the 
invisible  God,  alone,  for  help — the  everlasting  hill  from  whence  salva- 
tion cometh.  Feel  it  near  thee,  thou  tender  one,  for  unto  thee  this  is 
the  counsel  and  words  of  the  Lord,  who  "is  no  respecter  of  persons,  but 
in  every  nation,  whosoever  feareth  God  and  worketh  righteousness,  is 
accepted  of  him,"  and  none  else.  "  For  without  holiness,  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord"  in  peace. 

W.B. 

The  last  words  spoken  by  William  Bayly,  a  Utile  before  his  depar- 
ture put  of  the  body;  being  the  first  day  of  the  fourth  month, 
1675,  on  hoard  the  Samuel,  of  London,  in  the  latitude  of  ASS  de- 
grees and  thirty-six  minutes,  written  by  me,  John  Clark,  master 
of  the  said  vessel. 

After  some  words  spoken  to  me  concerning  his  outward  business,  he 
desired  to  be  remembered  unto  his  dear  .wife  and  little  ones,  and  said, 
1  have  left  them  no  portions,  but  my  endeavour  hath  been,  to  make 
God  their  Father.  Well,  shall  I  lay  down  my  head  in  peace  upon  the 
waters?  God  is  the  God  of  the  whole  universe,  and  though  my  body 
sink  I  shall  swim  atop  of  the  waters.  And  after  he  had  lain  a  little 
while  still,  he  called  to  me  and  desired  me  to  remember  his  dear  love 
to  George  Fox,  Alexander  Parker,  George  Whitehead,  and  to  Friends  in 
general,  and  immediately  sung,  being  filled  with  the  power  of  God,  say- 
ing, the  creating  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  ever,  and  spoke  several 
precious  words  to  them  that  sat  by  him,  and  took  several  by  the  hand, 
and  exhorted  to  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  not  to  fear  death;  for  death 
was  nothing  in  itself,  for  the  sting  of  death  is  sin;  and  said,  dear  Friends 
at  London  that  would  have  been  glad  to  have  seen  my  face,  tell  them, 
"I  go  to  my  father  and  their  father,  to  my  God  and  their  God." 
Remember,  said  he,  my  dear  love  to  my  dear  wife,  she  will  be  a  sor- 
rowful widow,  but  let  her  not  mourn  in  sorrow  for  it  is  well  with  me, 
and  took  his  leave  of  Friends,  saying,  I  see  not  one  of  you,  but  I  wish 
you  all  well.  Samuel  Burden,  a  Newr  England  Friend,  asked  him  how 
it  was  with  him,  he  said  I  am  perfectly  well,  and  desired  him  to  mind 
his  love  to  friends  in  Rhode  Island  and  New  England.  He  also  said, 
"any  of  you  remember  my  love  to  Friends  in  Barbadoes,"  and  said,  **  I 
went  freely,  in  tender  love  to  them."  He  uttered  many  more  sensible 
words,  and  at  about  half  an  hour  past  four  in  the  morning  he  departed  as 


100 


if  he  had  gone  to  sleep,  and  is  at  rest  with  the  Lord,  who  hath  given 
him  an  everlasting  crown  of  glory. 

John  Clarke. 

Mary  Bayly's  testimony  concerning  her,  deceased  husband^  fyc. 

It  is  appointed  of  God  for  all  men  once  to  die,  and  no  man  can  re- 
deem his  brother,  nor  pay  a  ransom  for  him.  Though  David  once  said 
of  Absalom,  "Oh  Absalom !  O  my  son  Absalom,  would  God  I  had  died 
for  thee,"  which  was  the  greatest  ransom  that  could  be  given;  methinks 
I  might  say  I  had  tenfold  more  cause  than  David,  if  it  could  have  been 
desired  without  offence;  but  I  had  rather  say,  "The  Lord  giveth,  and  the 
Lord  hath  taken  away" — cause  me  to  bless  thy  name  also,  and  submit 
my  will  to  thine,  that  I  may  not  sin  against  thee.  But  when  I  have 
considered  of  eternity,  and  the  satisfaction  which  my  dear  husband  is 
entered  into,  I  conclude  within  myself,  it  is  his  joy,  though  it  be  my 
sorrow — his  gain,  though  my  loss,  and  that  I  shall  go  to  him,  and  he  not 
return  to  me.  Herein  am  I  stayed,  and  desire  not  to  murmur  against 
the  Lord.  I  am  fully  assured  it  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  that  he  hath 
taken  him  to  rest,  out  of  all  his  troubles;  for  many  were  his  exercises 
and  burdens;  but  God,  who  knew  the  innocency  of  his  heart,  kept  and 
sustained  him,  and  I  am  fully  assured,  he  departed  this  life,  a  clean,  in- 
nocent man,  and  one  who  desired  the  good  of  all  mankind,  and  sought 
not  himself,  but  the  honour  of  God,  which  is  my  full  satisfaction  in  this 
case.  He  coveted  no  man's  gold  or  silver,  but  did  spend  and  was  spent 
for  the  honour  of  God.  His  memorial  shall  live,  though  his  body  is  re- 
moved. 

Mary  Bayly. 


THE  END. 


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